This is my command: Love Each Other
Jesus' words in John:15 now in song
When Jesus spoke to His disciples in John 15, He revealed the heart of His mission: love. The words of the song “Love Each Other,” from our official soundtrack, were drawn directly from this passage, and aim to capture the essence of His teachings.
The song’s lyrics reflect not only the beauty of this scripture but also its power to transform lives. As you listen, the profound message of Jesus—to love as He has loved—resonates deeply, reminding us of our call to live in love.
Understanding John 15: Lessons in Love
The lyrics of “Love Each Other” draw from Jesus’ words in John 15:9-17, spoken during the Last Supper. These verses offer profound insights into the nature of divine love and our role as followers of Christ:
1. Love as the Foundation of the Christian Faith
- Jesus’ command to “remain in my love” highlights the unbreakable connection between His love for us and our love for one another. He compares it to the perfect love shared between Him and the Father, calling us to reflect this divine love in our lives.
2. Joy Through Obedience
- “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love… I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” This joy is not fleeting but a deep, spiritual fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.
3. Sacrificial Love
- “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Jesus is of course preparing his apostles for his crucifixion, a sacrifice that He makes for all mankind. This act embodies a profound act of love. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross not only saved us from our sins, but set the standard for how we are to love others selflessly.
4. Friendship with Christ
- “You are my friends if you do what I command… I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” This passage is for His apostles, to let them know that they are now ready to carry forth His church and preach the gospel to the masses.
5. Bearing Fruit That Lasts
- “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” Jesus’ words remind us that love is not passive but active, bearing lasting impact in the world. It’s also a message to his apostles, that as they spread the gospel in the coming years, those words will resonate and multiply, quickly spreading throughout the world.
Why We Chose This Passage for our Soundtrack
The words of “Love Each Other”, taken directly from John 15, are naturally poetic and rich with meaning, making them an ideal foundation for a song. It’s the first song on the soundtrack because Jesus’ teachings are all about love and this is His command.
At its core, “Love Each Other” is more than a song; it’s an invitation to live out the Gospel. Jesus’ command to love is not a suggestion or an abstract ideal—it is the foundation of our faith. This love is unconditional, sacrificial, and transformative. By loving as Jesus loved, we reflect God’s nature and bring His kingdom to earth.
The song reminds us that love is both personal and communal. It starts with remaining in Christ’s love and extends outward to touch others. As Jesus laid down His life for us, we are called to lay down our lives for others, whether through acts of service, forgiveness, or compassion.
In fact, as I’ve noted in prior blog posts, when writing “Love Each Other” I felt as though God Himself was working through me. The music flowed effortlessly, as if I were simply transcribing His message. This song is a reflection of Jesus’ heart and a call to action for all who hear it.
As you listen, may you be reminded of the incredible love Jesus has for you. Let His words inspire you to remain in His love, to love others as He has loved you, and to bear fruit that will last. And remember His command: Love each other!