In Part I of this short series, we discussed the first of three concentric circles of love. That innermost circle is the bullseye, which represents our love for God.

The next circle expands the focus of our love to a larger community. It falls into the category of “one another” commands, that is, how followers of Jesus Christ are expected to treat other followers of Jesus Christ. The New Testament is full of these instructions on how we are to interact with other believers.

As recorded in John 13:34, Jesus says, “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.” Jesus gave up His life for us, so that is the baseline for our love for one another. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” – Jesus in John 15:13

Laying down your life may be literal, as was the case for Christ, but it also may be found as the crux of other commands, such as “do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3

I first want to say that there are many, many examples of followers of Jesus Christ literally laying down their lives for others, and those sacrificing their own personal interests for the betterment of one another.

However, as has been the case from the beginning, we also struggle with this concept. In this day of modern technology, hate is more visible than ever. Disagreement among believers all too often results in an exchange of words that far from suggest the idea of sacrificial love. I believe we also fall short in this area when we fail to recognize that “one another” includes followers of Jesus Christ across the globe. Our isolation of the American Church as somehow superior partially leads to a phenomenon referred to as Christian Nationalism which is dangerous and far from expressing the love commanded within this circle.

When we fail to love one another, we are absolutely failing at our focus on the first circle, loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength. I recommend you do a word search on the phrase “one another” in the Bible and take the time to read each command Then contemplate how you can ensure you are living accordingly. If you already are, great, but at least be honest with yourself!