Love is...

Love One Another: A Mark of True Discipleship

John 13:31–35 | A Southern Baptist Reflection

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
— John 13:34–35 (ESV)

Introduction: The Heart of the Gospel

In the upper room, with the shadow of the cross looming, Jesus gave His disciples a powerful new command: to love one another just as He had loved them. This was not a generic call to kindness but a radical, Christ-centered love rooted in the self-giving sacrifice of the Savior. For followers of Christ—then and now—this love is not optional. It's essential.

True love is rooted in the authority of Scripture and the lordship of Christ, this passage reminds us that love is the evidence of authentic discipleship and the fruit of Spirit-empowered living.

1. Love Is Christlike

Jesus said, “just as I have loved you”—not as the world loves, not as we feel like loving, but as Christ has loved. This means:

• Unconditional (John 15:13): Jesus laid down His life for us.

• Intentional (Romans 5:8): He loved us even while we were sinners.

• Sacrificial (Philippians 2:5–8): He humbled Himself to serve others.

We affirm that Jesus is our example and standard. Our love should reflect the gospel: initiating, enduring, forgiving, and holy.

2. Love Is a Command, Not a Suggestion

This “new commandment” isn’t new in concept—love has always been central to God’s law—but it's new in measure and model. It now mirrors Jesus’ own sacrificial love.

We are not free to define love on our terms. Southern Baptists hold to biblical authority, which means we obey Jesus’ words—not merely admire them.
When we love as Jesus commanded, we:

• Forgive freely (Colossians 3:13)

• Serve humbly (Galatians 5:13)

• Speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)

• Bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)

3. Love Is the Mark of True Discipleship

Jesus didn’t say people will know we are His disciples by our buildings, theology degrees, or social media posts—but by our love for one another.

In the local church, this means:

• Unity in diversity (Ephesians 4:1–6): We are one body in Christ.

• Commitment in conflict (Matthew 18): We work toward reconciliation.

• Witness in community (Acts 2:42–47): A loving church draws people to Christ.

Southern Baptists emphasize church membership, not as formality but as covenant commitment. Love binds us together in truth and mission.

4. Love Points to the Gospel

When believers love one another, the world takes notice. Love is evangelistic. It adorns the gospel we proclaim.

In a world filled with division, anger, and self-interest, the church’s love for one another becomes a beacon of hope. It says:

“We belong to Jesus. We are His. Come and see.”

As we love others with grace and truth, we reflect the Savior who loved us first. Our love becomes the living apologetic for the gospel we preach.

Conclusion: Loving Like Jesus

To love as Jesus loved is not natural. It’s supernatural. It requires the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and constant dependence on God's grace. Southern Baptists believe in the necessity of the new birth—regeneration by the Holy Spirit—which empowers believers to live out this love.

Let us not settle for shallow niceness or sentimental emotion. Let’s pursue the deep, durable, Christ-exalting love that Jesus demonstrated.

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
— 1 John 4:11