March 15, 2020 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

March 15, 2020 IFH: A New Command

Pastor Immanuel Garcera

Our topic, this month as you’ve come to notice, is how love is a distinguishable mark when it comes to observing that Jesus is central in someone’s life. One major hint of this fact is if someone is obeying “The New Commandment” of Christ in John 13:34-35:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Would you believe someone who tells you they’re a follower of Christ when you know full well they abuse their kids and wife? Would you believe someone is a devout believer when you know they lie, gossip, and slander their neighbours? Would you believe someone loves Jesus when they snap at a moment’s notice with anger when someone does them wrong?

Any believer, whether they’re baby-Christians or old-timers in the faith; to be honest, even non-believers would know something is off when someone who claims to be a Christ-follower is abusive, or a busy-body or they’re quick to anger. This is because as loving, gracious, and merciful our Lord Jesus is, we expect people, at the very basic level to do the same. The New Command Jesus gives can be fulfilled in many different ways, but it can also be broken in many different ways. But what makes this command unique is that it’s often obvious in someone’s life when the command to love one another is not being fulfilled. The signs can manifest in how you treat your parents, your friends, your neighbours, and those generally around you which makes it very observable.

Church, the command to love one another as Christ has loved us is definitely not easy, it’s why we need divine-reliance on the Lord to carry it out in us. Ultimately, the reason why so-called “believers” fail in this command is sin, of course, but also because of the false belief that they can try to live out the Christian life on their own. Starting today, starting right now, or starting again -- take time to pray this simple prayer: “Lord, I can’t live this life on my own, my life is Yours; Your will be done -- not mine. I surrender myself to You again.” Church, it’s time we rely again on divine-intervention.

To God be the glory!