February is often called the month that draws attention to love. It is the month that contains Valentine’s Day. A day looked forward to by many and feared by others. Love can be complicated to say the least.

And then for the followers of Jesus there is this “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34). Jesus goes on to say, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

In giving this command, Jesus did something the world had never seen before–He created a group identified by one thing: love. Skin color doesn’t matter. Native language doesn’t matter. Political party doesn’t matter. There are no rules about diet or uniforms or wearing funny hats. Followers of Christ are identified by their love for each other.

The question that is raised in my mind is “have all of the disciples of Jesus disappeared?” Those who often claim to be followers of Christ seem to be filled with hatred. What others claim to be love often seems to be selfish, egotistical, unforgiving, and insincere. Surely that is not right.

Jesus encouraged His followers to love as He had loved. He loves unconditionally, sacrificially, with forgiveness, and eternally. He actually modeled for us how we should love.

Maybe it is time to stop talking about love and start modelling love.

This is my story…