“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Though many of us know that we should love each other, the weight of this instruction is often held lightly. If we truly understood what was at stake if we did not keep this command, it would likely motivate us all the more to learn how Jesus actually loved His disciples.
Jesus was patient when His disciples didn't understand Him. He explained simple truth again and again when they failed. Though He was honest, He was never obnoxious nor did He treat them like they were worthless. Rather, He sought their good even unto the sacrificing of His soul. This is the kind of love we are called to have toward one another.
Nevertheless, what is at stake if we don't keep Jesus' command to love as He loved His disciples... “If you keep My commands, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and abide in His love.” If we don't keep His command to love we will no longer be able to dwell in the presence of the Father's love! It is through dwelling in this presence that all the fullness of God is imparted to us and if we don't abide in this love we will ultimately be like the branch that is thrown away, dries up, and is burned.
Brother or Sister, beware of not keeping in step with the Love of our Lord. When He is patient, be patient. When He is kind, be kind. When He lays down His soul, lay down yours with Him. In doing so you will find that He and His Father will make their home with you. Then you will understand the insight that Jesus spoke of, “...I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”