John 15:12 (NIV)

John 15:12 (NIV) says:

> “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

✨ Meaning and Teaching:

This verse is at the heart of Jesus’ message to His disciples during the Last Supper. Here’s what it truly teaches:

1. A Command, Not a Suggestion — Jesus doesn’t merely ask us to love; He commands it. Love is the defining mark of a true follower of Christ.

2. The Standard of Love — We are called to love others “as I have loved you.” Jesus’ love was selfless, sacrificial, patient, and unconditional — shown ultimately on the cross. That is the model for how we are to love others.

3. Love Builds True Community — This kind of love unites believers and reflects the heart of God to the world. It’s not about emotion alone but about action, forgiveness, and service.

4. A Reflection of Christ in Us — When we love like Jesus, we reveal that we belong to Him and that His Spirit is working in us.

❤️ In short:

John 15:12 teaches that true discipleship is shown through Christlike love — selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial — just as Jesus loved us.