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

A new commandment is given because a new power is made known. It is a power that existed in eternity but now is being revealed in time through Jesus Christ. He makes known to humanity a selfless love with the power to transform lives. It begins with the willingness to receive the love of Jesus Christ. He loved us first, but that love does us no good unless we first receive it. Allowing ourselves to be loved by the Lord is the first step. Then we are empowered to love one another as we are loved. It is a matter of allowing His love to flow through us, along with His strength to do so. Those who are loved can be released from the bondage of self and Satan. We experience the presence of the Lord when we are instruments in His hands, fulfilling the Lord’s command.