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John 13:34–35
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

On the night before the cross, Jesus did not leave His disciples with a strategy, a structure, or a system. He left them with a command. Love would be the defining mark of His people. Not merely belief, not religious activity, not outward morality—but love shaped by His own example. The church would be known not by what it opposed, but by how it loved.

This commandment is “new” because of its measure. “As I have loved you.” Jesus does not lower the bar to what feels natural or convenient. He sets the standard at the cross. His love was patient with weakness, faithful through betrayal, and sacrificial unto death. Revival restores this standard—not sentimental affection, but cruciform love.

Such love is costly. It chooses grace when offense would be easier. It stays when walking away would feel justified. It forgives when holding a grudge would feel safer. This kind of love cannot be sustained by human effort alone; it must flow from hearts continually renewed by Christ’s love toward us.

Jesus also tells us that this love is visible. “By this shall all men know.” The watching world evaluates the Gospel not first by our arguments, but by our relationships. A church that preaches truth but practices bitterness undermines its own witness. Love authenticates doctrine.

This love is practiced most profoundly within the body. It is tested not among strangers, but among fellow believers with differing personalities, opinions, and maturity levels. Revival does not remove friction—it redeems it. Love grows strongest where patience is exercised and grace is extended.

To love like Christ is to refuse to weaponize truth, manipulate Scripture, or use spirituality as leverage. It is to speak honestly without cruelty and to stand firmly without harshness. Christlike love is both tender and courageous.

Ask God today to recalibrate your definition of love. Not according to culture or comfort, but according to Christ. When love becomes the church’s defining mark, Christ becomes unmistakably visible.