A command from Jesus with great specificity …

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I’m working today in my local Starbucks, which happens to be packed with people far beyond usual for any Saturday.

That’s because from 1-2 p.m. the store is hosting a “pop up party” where they are giving away free tall-size espresso drinks. That has drawn a crowd of Starbucks fans to come get their favorite drink.

If you’re familiar with Starbucks, you know regulars to the coffee company can be quite specific about how they want their favorite beverage to be made. Add this, an extra shot of expresso, add that, whip cream or no whip cream — so many ways to make a coffee drink! It’s the specifics that satisfies the customers.

Jesus got very specific when He issued a command to those who follow Him. He wants us to love each other, and that is the part of the command we’re familiar with, whether we actually are obedient to it or not. But there’s more to it than that; Jesus was very specific about how He wants us to carry out this command. Look closely:

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other,” John 13:34.

Yes, Jesus wants us to love one another, but there’s a specific way He wants that done: “… Just as I have loved you …”

Take a moment and think about HOW Jesus has loved us. That would include:

Unconditionally.

Sacrificially.

Without reservation.

Perfectly.

Wholly.

Costly to Himself.

With grace and compassion.

Counter-culturally. Jesus repeatedly respected and valued women, a behavior largely unknown in His time and that culture. He respected and valued children. He respected the down-trodden and poor. There was nothing “trendy” about how Jesus loved!

What would you add to the list of how Jesus loved us?

Now, step back and ask yourself:

1. Are you obedient to Christ’s command to love others? And …

2. Do you love others the way Jesus loved us?

If you’re not loving others THE WAY Jesus loved us, what changes do you need to make in your life so that you start loving people the way Jesus loved us?

Scotty