Jesus commands his followers to love as he loves. He does not suggest that it would be a good idea, or that it's something nice to do. He does not mince words at all. "This is my commandment," he says. And then, he makes it clear that by loving one another, he does not mean only that we should be fond of one another, or have good intentions toward each other. The kind of love Jesus is talking about is sacrificial. It puts the other first. Loving like Jesus means being willing to give up everything for the needs of another person, even to the point of death.

Throughout history, there have been those who are willing to love with the boldness, and the selflessness, of Jesus. Some have given up their lives to stand with the vulnerable, to speak out for the oppressed, just as Jesus did. There have also been many who claim to follow Jesus, but whose actions betray their true motives of selfishness and personal gain.

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch watchmaker whose family sheltered hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust. Corrie and her family were deeply convicted by their Christian faith to provide refuge and safe passage for their Jewish neighbors through the Dutch underground, but they were ultimately betrayed and arrested for their courage and sacrifice. Corrie survived the concentration camps. Many members of her family did not.

At a pivotal and dangerous time in history, the ten Booms understood Jesus' commandment to love as he loved, and they were willing to risk their lives in order to live it. How is Jesus calling us to love one another as he loves today?

Lord Jesus, you have given us a powerful and challenging mandate, to love one another as you have loved us. Inhabit our hearts. Embolden our actions. And strengthen us to follow you, amen.

This devotional was written and read by Greta Smith

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.