Sabbath Devotional: A New Commandment

The Last Supper provides us with some of Christ’s most beautiful teachings on love, peace, and service. As the disciples gathered for the feast of the Passover, Jesus knew he was nearing the time of his death. The scripture says that Jesus “loved them unto the end” (John 13:1). I find myself drawn to this phrase of patient and enduring love. It’s so different from the self-beneficial relationships championed by many today.

After washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus taught, “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” (John 13:34-35).

The commandment to love was not new. What was new was the qualifier “as I have loved you.” The disciples were recipients of profound love, empowering love, even divine love, and were now challenged to develop that kind of love for others.

There may have been one word on their minds: How?

I am sure that they loved Jesus. How could they not? So, when Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), they probably thought they could do that. Jesus promised them, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love” (John 15:10).

That promise — to continue to abide in his love — is motivating. Jesus further clarifies, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

They knew and felt Christ’s love. He asked them to love others, as he loved them. He promised that they would continue to abide in his love if they kept his commandment. And his commandment is to love one another.

A few years ago, I read an op-ed that resonated with me. The writer pointed out a political figure who had been the recipient of online hate and mocking. She asked her own “side” if they could demonstrate the values and integrity they claimed by letting go of judgment and showing some basic kindness. I thought it was a friendly little reminder so I shared it online. I was surprised that my friends found it controversial. They criticized the political figure. They saw her as someone so reprehensible that she did not deserve kindness.

I was baffled. The whole point of the op-ed was that the way we chose to treat her wasn’t about her, it was about us and who we want to be. If I want to be a kind person, I treat people kindly regardless of whether or not I judge them deserving.

A couple months later, a man on the other side of the political aisle passed away and the response was celebratory. I read another op-ed basically saying this man was a human; let his family and friends mourn him in peace. I strangely thought it would be a fun social experiment to post this op-ed and see what kind of response I would get. Is one side of the political aisle filled with more compassion than the other?

The answer is no — at least not among my friends. Once again, the general response was that this man did not deserve kindness. This time, the argument in the op-ed wasn’t focused on our treatment of others being a reflection of our own character. The writer’s point was that the controversial figure deserved dignity in death simply because he is human.

I think about this often. President Nelson taught, “One of the easiest ways to identify a true follower of Jesus Christ is how compassionately that person treats other people.” In other words, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Every person we meet, speak to on the phone, interact with online, or read about in the news is a child of God. How we speak to and about them is a reflection of our discipleship.

Returning to the Savior’s invitation at the Last Supper, how can we love others as he loves us? Here are some ideas:

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:43-44)

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

In the last few months, our politically polarized world has become even more hateful and intolerant. We are emotionally exhausted and increasingly defensive. As Easter approaches, I hope we can pause to remember the forgiveness, mercy, and enduring love offered to us by our Advocate, Jesus Christ. He has asked us to love others the way he loves us. And he will empower us to be able to fulfill this commandment.

“Pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.” (Moroni 7:48)

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Image: “The Last Supper.” Leonardo da Vinci, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Megan Rawlins Woods is senior director of the nonpartisan root at Mormon Women for Ethical Government.