“This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you." John 15:12
The previous verses in John 15 highlight the first of our missional focus that was covered last week: we want people to experience Christ Jesus together through fostering intimacy with God. From the outflow of an intimate connection with God, Jesus encourages a further direction for his followers. He wants them to love each other. This love that we are to have for each other is described in our second mission focus: commitment to each other. A critical part of experiencing Christ Jesus together is the experience of knowing that the community of believers who follow Jesus are committed to the care, nurture, support, and encouragement of each other. This is done through loving the people in our midst in the same way as the Christ has shown his love for you.