This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Christ laid down His life, not gold or silver but His very self, than which nothing is dearer to a man. He was the Lord of glory, free to give it up, which He did voluntarily in the place of His people, bearing their sins and the curse they deserved. This is the measure of love we must show one another.
AI summary
Christ holds Himself out as the pattern: He loved His people, and they must love each other. Love of God comes first in order, but the true proof of it is love toward our neighbors, which is why He dwells chiefly on this point.
AI summary
The Father loved Christ as Mediator and gave all things into His hand; Christ abode in that love by keeping His Father's commandments. As the Father has loved Him, so He loves us, and we abide in His love by keeping what He commands.
AI summary
Commenting on John 15:9-17