A new command

A new command

John 13:34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

I John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Philippians 2:2 Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

In our time and society, love is something that is presented almost out of our control. Because love today is connected to emotions, and emotions is something we can’t control. But here Jesus is telling us to love by command. How can that be done? Because love is not emotions or shallow feelings as Hollywood may present it. Love is a commitment. Love is a choice. Emotions come and go, but a committed choice will stay. You can even start by feeling hate to a person, and you choose to obey Jesus command. You start praying for the person, even though all feelings in you protest. After some time of praying and obeying Jesus command, even feelings will come. The one you felt hate towards, suddenly you feel love for.

If love is not feelings, then what is it?

It is the choice not to badmouth anyone. It is the choice to give a smile, and to say kind words. It is the choice to honor someone, or even buy him or her a gift. Love is actions. Love is what you do. Love is the choices you make. Pastor Gøran Andreassen

Additional scriptures for further study: Proverbs 17:17; Matthew 22:36-40; Luke 6:35; 1 Corinthians 13, 16:14; Galatians 5:13-14; Colossians 3:14; 1 John 4:8, 20.