A New Commandment

by Sue Friest

A New Commandment

John 13:34-35  NRSV

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.  Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This summer, while visiting Gooseberry Falls State Park, I was struck by the tenacity of the Cedar trees along the bank of the river.  Year after year the high water of spring swells the river and the water relentlessly erodes the soil around the trees.  Some trees are uprooted and float downstream.  But others grow into stately stands.  What I believe to be true about these trees is that they are rarely alone.  Usually there is a cluster of trees in which the exposed roots are intertwined, each of them grounding the other, clinging to the rocks and burrowing down into the cracks.  I am convinced that this connectedness is what has enabled them to withstand and thrive in an environment that is often not hospitable.

During the pandemic, I became acutely aware of how much I need to be connected to people. New ways to connect were created – bible studies, classes and social gatherings on zoom; family Christmas outdoors in winter gear; worship online and in parking lots and drive-by parties.  But oh, how I missed the hugs and personal contact of friends and loved ones. When Jesus gave us the new commandment to love one another, He called us to be connected, to be in relationship with others in order to survive and thrive and be His disciples.  When we hold on to each other we can endure challenges we never imagined and we can experience joy in more profound ways.   Who today needs to see Jesus through the love you show?

Lord, thank-you for your amazing gift of unconditional love.  Help me to love others as you love me. Open my eyes to those in need of my love today that they may know you.  Amen