John 13:34

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

John 13:35

By this all will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

New – Unused, fresh, brand new, something superior.

We are to love one another as Jesus has loved us.

How has Jesus loved us?

John 15:13

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Agape love – Sacrificial, self-giving, a love that lays down its life for another.

1 John 4:10

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 3:23

And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.

Loving one another is a mark of discipleship. (John 13:35)

Romans 5:5

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

What are some practical expressions of love?

1. We express love through our words.

Proverbs 18:21a

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-5a NLT

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.

a. Love is not sarcastic or degrading.

b. Love does not publicly make fun of people.

2. We express love through our actions.

1 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable.

Love sacrifices for another and seeks to serve. (John 15:13)

Galatians 5:13b

But through love serve one another.

3. We express love through forgiveness.

1 Corinthians 13:5b NLT

It keeps no record of being wronged.

Ephesians 4:32

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

4. We express love through saying no and enforcing consequences.

Ephesians 4:15

But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ.

5. We express love by encouraging people to endure in the midst of adversity.

Mark 13:13

And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But He who endures to the end shall be saved.