Loved Into Loving

 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." —John 13:34 (NIV)

This verse is part of a quiet, sacred moment. Jesus has just washed his disciples’ feet—an act of humility and care—and now he speaks plainly: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” It’s not a distant command. It’s a personal invitation, rooted in relationship.

This is a living text—God’s word that still breathes, still beckons. It transcends time and place, reaching us wherever we are. In it, Jesus reminds us: you have experienced my love. Now, let that love shape how you live.

But how do we know Jesus loves us? For those who’ve been hurt, overlooked, or are barely holding on, this may be hard to believe. The love of Christ isn’t always loud—it doesn’t always come with signs and wonders. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s the friend who shows up without needing to fix anything. Sometimes it’s the warmth of a memory, or the strength to get through one more day.

John 3:16–17 offers a glimpse of that love:

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son… not to condemn the world, but to save it."

God’s love isn’t from afar. It’s love that enters in. Love that kneels. Love that stays.

Jesus washed feet. Today, we might love like that by giving a neighbor a ride to a doctor's appointment, listening without judgment to the person pouring out their heart, showing up at a town meeting to support affordable housing, or offering a prayer for someone who can’t find the words. These small acts—unnoticed by many—are sacred echoes of Christ’s care.

And if you’re not yet where you can love others, begin by loving yourself—not in a narcissistic way, but by seeing yourself honestly as Christ sees you: beloved, worthy, and held. That’s where it begins. This kind of love isn’t self-centered—it’s soul-centered. It’s about letting Christ’s gaze reshape how you see yourself. When we can recognize the love we’ve been shown, we learn to live that love.

Let John 13:34 be less a command and more a reminder: you are loved. Deeply. Tenderly. Personally. And from that place of being loved, you are invited to love others—not perfectly, but sincerely. 

Your love doesn’t have to be flawless to be faithful. Even small acts, done with sincerity, reflect the heart of Christ. You will make mistakes as you learn—like anything worth growing in, love takes practice. When you stumble, don’t get discouraged but pray for God’s help.

So, today, receive what has already been given. Let yourself be loved. And when you’re ready, pass that love along.

Loving Christ, you have loved us in ways we’re still learning to see. Help us trust that love—not just in theory, but in the messy, beautiful reality of our lives. And from that trust, help us love others with grace, humility, and courage. Let our lives echo your tenderness. Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim