“I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.”–John 13:34
Let’s consider the most reckless, dangerous, and risky thing we’ve each done. (Please don’t answer out loud.) If we said it was love our family, friends, and teammates, we’re thinking like Jesus. In John’s gospel we read these challenging words, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.”
These words are remarkable for more than one reason. First, Jesus said them while Judas, who would betray Him that very evening, was in the room. He also said these words to His disciples—His teammates—who, within hours, would go into hiding or deny knowing Him. His love was rather risky, but very deep.
We have the same challenge and opportunity as the disciples. We can choose to love our teammates, coaches, and families without reservation. Love with this kind of abandon is not safe. Love with this kind of sacrifice is not cheap. This is love with commitment. It doesn’t look for an escape. That’s the love we need in order to achieve team unity and loyalty.
Let’s exhibit this kind of teamwork in today’s competition, as we love one another in the same way Jesus loves us.
1. Is there someone in your life who has demonstrated unconditional love toward you?
2. What are specific ways in which this love was shown?
3. Think of someone in your life who needs you to love him or her without condition.
Mark 12:28-31; Romans 13:9-10; 1 Corinthians 13; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 5:14-15
Father, help me to love others as You love me—without condition. Show me more each day how to demonstrate that reckless love to those around me. Amen.