Verse to Remember: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  John 13:34-35

Scripture.  Choose the passage.  (If using the Jesus Bible, page number given.  Or use Biblegateway.com or Biblehub app).

Observation.  What does the passage say?  What is difficult to understand?  What does it say to me?

Application.  How do I apply these verses?  Is there something to give God thanks for?  Is there is a sin to avoid?

Prayer.  Simply end your time with God talking with Him.

Day One

Scripture: John 13:31-35.  Jesus Bible pg. 1631.

Observation:  I love it when my teams wins!  I love homemade ice cream.  I really love spending time in the mountains.  And I love my family.  But these loves are not all equal.

This passage records some of the last moments Jesus has with His disciples.  Jesus begins the chapter demonstrating His love for His disciples.  He shows love by washing their feet.  Now, Jesus is telling them to love one another.  “Just as ____ have loved you, you also are to love one another.”  Follow His example.  Love is more than an emotion, more than a feel-good moment; it is a decision, a choice.

The church leader Tertullian (A.D. 155-220) quoted the pagans as saying of the early Christians, “See how they love one another?”

Application: In a world that is highly critical of those who believe and act differently, Jesus tells you and me that we are to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Love them.  1 John 3:16 helps us understand, “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”

Love = laying down our life for others, considering others better than ourselves, looking to their interests before our own (Philippians 2).

Definitely let DEEPEN be a place where every student is loved!

One practical way to show my love today is by _______________.

Prayer.  Jesus, help me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ like this so the world will know that we belong to You.