Both mission and ministry for everyone begins with the commands of Jesus. If we confess him as Lord, if we are truly connected to his vine, if we really dwell with him and he in us, we keep his command.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.  35  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 WEB

I believe this command and I’ve tried to keep it. The problem is I’ve been confused about how to love “just as [Yeshua] has loved” his disciples and me.

Do I love people:

• On the flesh level: with a cute, cuddly, or comforting love (storge) or a hot, sensual, consuming love (eros)?
• On the soul level: with love of relatability, affirmation, and sameness (phileo) — because we are alike, want the same things, and have the same struggles?
• On the level of spirit: with a love pushing towards their purpose and righteousness by living in my own (agape)?

Jesus uses agape when he gives the command. It’s obvious he loved his disciples on that spiritual level and soul and flesh love flowed from and were ruled by purpose and righteousness.