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what understanding of 'love' might john's original audience have held, both christian and non christian?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

John 13:34-35

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.””

This passage comes from Jesus' final discourse to his disciples before his crucifixion, as recorded in John's Gospel. He is preparing them for his departure and giving them essential instructions for how they are to live and be identified in the world.

What does it mean for 'love' to be the defining characteristic of a community, and how might that shape its actions?

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Read alongside it

Leviticus 19:18
An Old Testament command to love one's neighbor as oneself, forming a backdrop to Jesus's 'new' commandment.
Romans 13:8-10
Paul's assertion that love fulfills the law, echoing the centrality of love in Christian ethics.
1 John 4:7-8
Reinforces that love originates from God and is essential for knowing God.

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