7 Ways to Fulfill God’s Commandment to Love One Another

The principle guiding us to "love one another" is fundamental to many religious traditions but holds a special significance in Christianity.

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:34-35 NIV).

This divine directive is not just a suggestion but a commandment that God has given to His followers.

It teaches us to cultivate selfless and compassionate love towards each other, transcending boundaries and differences. In the teachings of Jesus, this love extends even to one's enemies, calling for a radical transformation of human relationships.

While feeling this love in our hearts is the right first step, we must convert this sentiment into actions that uplift, support, and empower others.

7 Ways to Love One Another as Demonstrated by Jesus

1. Encourage Others
Encouraging others is a powerful expression of love that uplifts and inspires individuals to persevere, grow, and thrive. It encompasses providing support, affirmation, and motivation to those around us, helping them navigate challenges and embrace their potential.

Jesus was a master of encouragement. He consistently uplifted the spirits of those around Him, offering words of hope and strength. In Hebrews 10:24-25, believers are encouraged to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” This mirrors Christ's actions as He motivated His disciples to persevere through trials and challenges, reminding them of God's faithfulness and promises.

2. Be Quick to Forgive
Forgiveness lies at the heart of loving one another. Jesus forgave even those who crucified Him, demonstrating the power of letting go of resentment and grudges. In Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV), Jesus taught, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus instructs Peter to forgive not just seven but seventy-seven times, illustrating the boundless nature of forgiveness and the need to release resentment.

Through these examples, Jesus teaches us that forgiveness is not merely a gesture but a transformative act that frees both the forgiver and the forgiven and restores broken relationships.

3. Serve Selflessly
Jesus' entire life was a testament to service. Mark 10:45 captures His mission succinctly: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus’ actions, from washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:3-17) to feeding the multitudes (Matthew 14:13-21), underscore His selflessness. By following His example, we learn that serving is a genuine expression of love that doesn’t seek recognition or reward.

Galatians 5:13 (NIV) asks us to “serve one another humbly in love” without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or contributing to a cause, selfless service exemplifies the kind of love that transcends personal gain.

4. Pray for Others
Prayer fosters a deep spiritual connection and intercession for one another.

James 5:16 (NIV) advises, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

In John 17:20-23, Jesus fervently prayed for the unity of His followers, highlighting His concern for their relationships and well-being. This mirrors Paul’s exhortation in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, where believers are urged to pray for all people, including leaders.

Jesus’ compassion for the sick and suffering led Him to heal and pray for them. His prayer for Peter’s faith (Luke 22:31-32) showcases His concern for His disciples' spiritual strength. By praying for others, we align ourselves with Jesus’ heart for people’s needs and growth.

5. Maintain Peace with One Another
As the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), Jesus placed a strong emphasis on maintaining peace and reconciliation among His followers. In Matthew 5:9, He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

Jesus’ teachings on resolving conflicts (Matthew 18:15-17) emphasize reconciliation and forgiveness. As believers, we’re called to actively pursue peace and contribute to unity within the Body of Christ because reconciling with one another takes precedence even over religious practices (Matthew 5:23-24).

We can do so by maintaining friendly relations with everyone, not provoking them, and resolving conflicts as soon as they arise. As the Apostle Paul advises in Ephesians 4:3, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

6. Speak Truth in Love
Honest and constructive communication is crucial for nurturing healthy relationships. Ephesians 4:15 (NIV) states, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

Jesus consistently upheld the value of truthfulness, warning against hypocrisy and deceit. In Matthew 5:37, He said, “All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” His interactions with the Pharisees and religious leaders further illustrate His commitment to truth and authenticity.

As His followers, we are called to follow His example by speaking the truth, no matter how harsh it is. If someone does something wrong, we must correct them privately using gentle words because building people up with the truth is better than tearing them down with lies.

7. Share Others’ Burden
Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Jesus Himself invited people to come to Him with their burdens and find rest (Matthew 11:28-30). He showed compassion by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the brokenhearted. His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) exemplifies the concept of helping those in need, regardless of social or cultural differences.

By bearing each other’s burdens, we mirror Jesus’s selfless love and create a supportive community where everyone feels cared for and valued with a lightened load despite life’s challenges.

Final Words
The commandment to "love one another" is a timeless beacon of hope and unity in a world marked by division and conflict. This divine directive calls for a profound transformation in the way we interact with one another.

Loving one another requires overcoming personal biases, ego, and societal barriers. It demands a conscious effort to let go of judgment and preconceived notions and cultivate a mindset of compassion.