I’ve been asked an important question. That question is: “Can Jesus’ new commandment—to love as He loved—make any real difference in our lives today?” The answer is a resounding yes!

Think of the energy exerted by the crowd at a sold-out concert or an exciting sporting event. Think of the even greater amount of energy exerted by someone who serves God and others faithfully year after year, decade after decade.

When you think how much God loves us, how much energy are you willing to exert loving other people? How intimate are you willing to be? How much are you willing to sacrifice?

More specifically, who are you choosing to love? Does anyone come to mind? Who is he? Who is she? Say their name in your mind. Say, “Yes, Lord, I’m choosing to love him or her.” It may mean getting to know them better. It may mean sacrificing something. Who are you choosing to love? Perhaps you’re thinking of someone whose health is poor or who serves others quietly without fanfare. Maybe it’s a family member or someone you have a hard time getting along with.

Never forget Jesus’ words: “Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” [John 13:34 NLT]. That is, the people in our world that we’re trying to reach for Christ.

This is Luis Palau.