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love again

John 13:35
"By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another."

At the Last Supper, Jesus calls His disciples to “love one another.” After witnessing His miracles and teachings, they gather for Passover. Jesus washes their feet, predicts betrayal, and calls them “little children,” preparing them for His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, where they cannot yet follow.

He gives a new commandment: “Love one another as I have loved you.” He repeats, “By this all will know you are My disciples, if you love one another.” This implies that without love, we are not His disciples.

This is challenging due to self-centeredness, past hurts, cultural and political divisions, misunderstandings of love, distractions, and spiritual resistance. Those we try to love have their own struggles.

Yet, through Jesus’ example and empowerment, this love is possible. We can overcome barriers by practicing empathy, forgiving gradually, seeking understanding across differences, and drawing strength from faith and community. Amen.
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