John 13:34-35

It’s not entirely clear what was new about this commandment from Jesus because the command to love one’s neighbour is firmly embedded in the Jewish Law (Leviticus 19:18). Perhaps Jesus was pointing to the new example of love which he had set for his disciples. Certainly, when he died on the cross not long afterwards their understanding of love would be totally transformed.

Jesus knew that the most effective way for the good news to be communicated to the world would be through love. Looking back through Church history, there have been attempts to influence the world through power, prestige, grand buildings, art, poetry, books and music. But the only language which is truly effective is love.

The tragedy, of course, is that the Church has so often gained a reputation for the exact opposite. Only the other day, I was talking to a friend who doesn’t go to church. She was saying that all she heard about one of the churches in her village was that they were “always bickering”. I felt so embarrassed on their behalf.

But in all humility, we know churches have often given this impression to the world.

At the end of the 2nd century, Tertullian noted that pagans looked at the Church and, to their bewilderment, observed: “See how these Christians love one another.” Let’s do everything we can to ensure that’s exactly what people see when they look at our churches today.

QUESTION
What impression do people gain when they look at your church?

PRAYER
Loving God, thank you for the perfect love that you have always shown to me. Help me to share your love generously with others today. Amen

Released on 29 Jul 2023