Love cannot be commanded, yet Jesus commands it.

Jesus’ command has no conditions, threats or rewards. It is not a command but an invitation to put to use what Jesus has given us.

Jesus gave this command on the night of his betrayal. The disciples were afraid. Fear prevents us from loving.

Jesus promises to never abandon his frightened disciples. He will even give his life for them...and us. When he is raised from the dead, God declares that nothing can keep Gods love from us. Therefore, we no longer need to be afraid... to love.

These commands are not commands but “GET TO’s,” what we joyfully want to do because of what Jesus has done for us.

This love is so special that the New Testament invents a new word for it: agape

An example: the love of Elizabeth for Henry.