DCLM Daily Manna 18 June 2025 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — A New Commandment

TOPIC: A New Commandment

KEY VERSE: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).

TEXT: John 13:31-38 (KJV)

31 Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

32 If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

36 Simon Peter said unto him, Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered him, Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow me afterwards.

37 Peter said unto him, Lord, why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thy sake.

38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

DCLM Daily Manna For Today MESSAGE:

Tertullian, the early Christian writer, wrote that the Roman authority was agitated because the early Church multiplied. Even their young members refused to burn incense before the emperor’s image. Doubting their loyalty to the state, the rulers sent spies among the Christians. The spies returned with a report that the Christians met in an empty room with no image. They speak only of an invisible Jesus who they claim will appear anytime. But one thing is for sure: they love their Jesus, and they love one another.

The love among the early believers was extraordinary, a stark contrast to what we often see in many Christian assemblies today. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus gathered with His disciples in the upper room. He chose to spend His final moments with them, sharing things that were of utmost importance to Him. It was during this time that He taught the disciples the necessity of practical love for one another. He referred to the commandment to love others as a new commandment because it sets a higher standard and a broader scope than the Ten Commandments. While the Ten Commandments instruct us to love God and our neighbours, the new commandment instructs us to love as Christ loves us, even our enemies. Jesus exemplified this love by washing the feet of His disciples, even though He knew they would soon abandon Him, including Judas Iscariot who would betray Him. In love, He ultimately sacrificed His life to redeem a lost humanity that showed no sign of reciprocating His love. This love has the power to transform hearts and lives.

Jesus says our love for others is the identifying mark that we are His disciples. That love will make us winsome and draw sinners to Christ. It is not our loud profession that we are Christians or other emblems we often display that mark us as Christ’s disciples but our love for others.

Take a moment to reflect: do we love one another as Christ loves us? Do we love fervently, unconditionally, and untiringly? Assess your love level to discern if you are truly a disciple of Jesus. If you detect in your heart the remnants of hatred, malice, retaliation, or resentment against anyone – even your persecutors – it is time to return to God’s altar for purification and the strength to love like Christ.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Don’t be deceived by outward emblems; love is the true mark of discipleship.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Philippians 1-4

Deeper Life Daily Manna For Today 2025 was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.