Jesus told his disciples: "Just as I have loved you, you should love each other." (John 13:34)
Sit on that command for a minute. Jesus said this during their last dinner together before he was crucified. Judas had just left in the middle of the meal… and tension was high. Jesus had washed everyone’s feet, served bread and wine as symbols of the forgiveness and love he offered to them and had now spoken about going away for a little while.
It seems his disciples heard Jesus say everything but "love". Everything else that was happening was causing their heads to spin and their hearts to worry. Instead of talking about how to love, they grew nervous. Peter blurted, "Lord, where are you going?" Thomas was stressed: "Lord, we have no idea where you are going!"
Love each other.
But Lord, I have a big test! But Lord, I have so much going on in my life right now! Lord, I am really tired today! Lord, that guy drives me crazy!
Love each other.
Lord, I don’t like the style of music they play! Lord, he stinks! Lord, I’m busy! Lord, I’m worried! Lord, I don’t feel in control of things!
Love each other.
Just as I have loved you.