Ever wondered what “Maundy Thursday” meant?

Maundy means commandment. At the Last Supper, Jesus gave us an important commandment:

“Love one another.

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,

if you love one another.”

~John 13:34-35

If you were to ask me what draws me most to a relationship with Jesus Christ, it would be this message. It is my belief that the central message of Jesus was LOVE. In fact, He said it himself in the above passage.

Atheists often point to all of the horrible crimes against humanity that have been committed in the name of God. And they did happen. However, they were not committed by the command of God.

Here is the most important lesson I’ve learned while reading the Bible: There’s a great difference between others using God’s words for their own political or monetary gain and what God is actually trying to teach us.

Go to the source. Focus on what God says: “Love one another.”

Incredible that Jesus was able to say this even as He knew that within days He would be led to the cross to willingly bear the burden of our sins and then rise in triumph three days later.

That is Love.

How and when did you come to know Jesus as your personal savior? Has your relationship with Jesus been based on love, fear, or obligation? Do you believe that Jesus wants a relationship with you built on love? Take a moment today to go to Biblegateway.com and type in “Jesus” and “love” in the search window. See how many verses you can find where Jesus speaks of his love for each of us. Which verse resonates with you?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

~Deuteronomy 31:6

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and Your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.” Psalms 18:32-36

This essay was originally published in God Loves Your Dream, a book of inspirational essays. Get your copy on Amazon.com.