Love's Commandment

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
 ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. John 15:9-14


Love's Commandment

Once we were enemies fighting
disputes over land and nation
fanned by fear and anger
we let our warriors attack.

Love's commandment makes us family
children all welcome to the table
love has caused us to set aside fear
and sent out our warriors no more.

Once we were wrapped in blankets
once you were starting anew
starvation and ache were all we knew
and we all sought someone to blame.


Love's commandment makes us family
children all welcome to the table
love has caused us to set aside fear
and sent out our warriors no more.

The Holy One sought us all out
pulling us from our parapets and guards
drawing us to the circle in the center
where the fire of love could warm us all.


Love's commandment makes us family
children all welcome to the table
love has caused us to set aside fear
and sent out our warriors no more.

We used to be mortal enemies
now the Creator's touch has made us kin
born of sorrow and redeemed by love
we have nothing to give but welcome and home.

Love's commandment makes us family
children all welcome to the table
love has caused us to set aside fear
and sent out our warriors no more.