We see the word new commandment because now as the Lord loves us we are to love one another to be called a disciple of the Lords.   The word love is Agapē  and is used in the NT  to describe the attitude of God toward His Son. This love is an act of our will not our feelings.  This love gives and does good not expecting anything in return.  This is totally opposite of worldly love which is based on a merit system of I will love you if you do not hurt me or do me wrong.  That is not Agape love commanded each of us believers.

This is a commandment to love one another is not exclusive to just our brethren or the ones we like but our enemies also! Matthew 5:43-44   "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. This love is an action word as stated in this verse.  It is easy to love someone who loves me but wow is it hard to love someone who has abused me or cheated me and the list goes on and on.  Within the action of love is blessing them, doing good to them, and pray for those enemies.  Didn’t Jesus say from the cross forgive them they know not what they do. The disciple Stephen in the book of Acts as he was being stoned said the same thing.  Forgive them!

When I follow the Lords commands it is always best for me! The Lord loves all people and died on the cross for all people. He has asked us to die to self and arise in Christ and by doing this we can do as He commands.  Start today and see how we will then we are able to forgive them and then we will be forgiven!