Pastor Leon’s SOAP: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer

August 11: Jeremiah 7-9; John 13

Scripture: John (NIV) 13: [Jesus speaking] 34 “I give you a new command. Love one another. You must love one another, just as I have loved you. 35 If you love one another, everyone will know you are my disciples.”

Observation: The old command was to love each other the same way we love ourselves. The new command is to love each other the way Jesus loves us. Jesus love is choosing the highest good for the other. Jesus love is being willing to sacrifice self, even to the point of death, for others. This level of love is to be the identifying factor in those who claim to be disciples of Jesus. It is the proof of His life in us.

Application: With the old command I love others according to what I would be willing to do for myself. With the new command I love others according to what Jesus would do for them.

Prayer: Lord, help me see people as you see them. Help me see the needs into which you would have me pour your love. May people see your kind of love in me. Amen

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!