Love: A Way of Life that Brings Peace

Often, we understand love as something that arises because of a reason. We love because others are kind to us, treat us well, or meet our expectations. However, Jesus demonstrated a love that is very different from how the world understands it.

On the night before He was crucified, in a tense atmosphere, Jesus gave a command which He called a new commandment: that His disciples should love one another. This command is not merely an invitation to do good, but a way of life that must be lived out every day.

What is interesting is that before giving this command, Jesus first washed His disciples’ feet. He took the position of a servant. Through this act, Jesus showed that love is not just words, but real action. True love does not wait until others are worthy to be loved. Even to Judas, who would betray Him, Jesus still showed love. Here we learn that the love that comes from Christ is a love that takes the initiative.

Jesus also introduced a kind of love called “Agape,” which is love that does not seek its own benefit and does not expect anything in return. This love becomes the mark of our identity as His disciples. The world may not always see our faith through our words or achievements, but it will see it through how we treat one another. Therefore, love must not be just a momentary action, but a character that is formed in our daily lives.

However, loving does not mean tolerating wrongdoing. True love is willing to correct sincerely for the good of others. This kind of love does not seek personal comfort but genuinely desires the best for others. Moreover, love must be consistent. We cannot love only when we feel like it. Love must become a lifestyle—practiced every day, in all circumstances.

When we live in the love that Jesus taught—a love that takes initiative, is sincere without selfish motives, courageous, and faithful—then peace will be present in our lives. Not only will we experience it, but also those around us.

May we be enabled to live in the love of Christ, so that through our lives, God’s peace may be revealed to the world. Amen.

Taken from an Easter sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0c637h9oUk