A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you. John 13:34
“The modern Christian does not retire into a cell to pray, but goes about doing good. He [or she] thus avoids the risk of narrowness, which attends to the [person] who desires only to do the “nearest duty.” But there is a danger here also–that of shallowness. The [person] who is always giving, never receiving; always helping others, and never feeding his [or her] own soul, is in danger of becoming empty.”
James Freeman Clarke (1810-1888) American theologian and author in Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers, compiled by Josiah Hotchkiss Gilbert (New York: Wilbur B. Ketcham, 1895) 566.
Today is Maundy Thursday. For centuries of church history the teachings of Jesus on this day in Holy Week were read in Latin, starting with “Mandatum novum do vobis ut diligatis invicem sicut dilexi vos” which is translated “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you.” Mandatum was shortened to Mandé in old English and French and became the label affixed to the Upper Room discourses of Holy Week Thursday (cf. John 13-17). Read them.
Jesus imparted much to the disciples on this day. He desires to impart much to us each day, but often we don’t slow down enough to receive from Him. The only way we can be generous at all times and on all occasions is first to receive generously. Do you wake up each day and allow yourself to be filled by Christ before going about to do good? If not, you too are in danger of being empty. To give like Christ we must first learn to receive richly. Receive from Him today and every day.