November 1, 2025 

John 13:34–35 – On the night before His death, Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you are My disciples.”

Devotional: It’s remarkable that Jesus gave this command on the eve of His betrayal. He could have told His disciples to brace themselves, to hide, or to prepare for what was coming. Instead, He spoke about love that reveals Jesus—a love that would become the clearest mark of His followers. “As I have loved you,” He said, “so you must love one another.” Not as you love yourself. Not as you think others deserve. As I have loved you. 

That’s the heart of discipleship. It’s not about what we know, how much we serve, or what roles we hold in the church—it’s about whether our lives look like His. The measure of our faith isn’t found in our creeds or committees but in our compassion. Love is the identifying mark of a disciple—not love in theory, but love that looks like the cross.

Jesus’ command was new because the standard changed. Before, love meant treating others as you’d want to be treated. Now, it means loving as He did—with humility, sacrifice, and grace. He washed feet that would soon run away. He broke bread with the one who would betray Him. He loved without condition, without exception, and that love became the proof of who He was.

If the world will know we are His disciples by our love, then our outreach isn’t just about programs or projects—it’s about presence. It’s about being people whose love points beyond themselves to the One who first loved us. Every act of kindness, every word of forgiveness, every bridge built in His name becomes a living testimony that Jesus is still at work through His people.

So as we reach the end of this series, remember: love isn’t just part of the Christian life—it is the Christian life. When we root our discipleship and outreach in love for God and neighbor, we’re not just obeying a command—we’re answering a call.

Action: Reach out to someone today simply to show them they’re loved—no agenda, no strings attached. Let your presence be the message.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us what love looks like. Help me to follow Your example—to love patiently, humbly, and completely. Let others see You in the way I care, forgive, and serve. May my life reflect Your greatest call: to love as You have loved. In Your holy name, Amen.

Thought for the Day: The truest sign of discipleship is love that looks like Jesus.