Living the 11th Commandment

For centuries, the Ten Commandments identified Israel as the people of God. They were strict and written in stone, setting the people of Israel apart from everyone else. The night before he died, Jesus gave a new commandment, one that he said distinguishes all believers as his followers. What is it that makes you stand out as a Christian? Adherence to biblical doctrine? Concern for the social issues of the day? Faithfully attending worship services at your church? Looking "right," speaking "right," living "right"? While all of these are good, Jesus said that there is one action that demonstrates you are one of his followers--loving one another. So profound was this "new commandment" (John 13:34) that it is repeated fifteen times in ten different passages in the NT. In exploring these passages, you can learn both what it means and how to "Live it Out" as a follower of Jesus.