My Bible notes gave three explanations for the "newness" of this command:
1. the new and dramatic illustration of divine love on the cross
2. Christ's exposition of the OT law (Matthew 5)
3. the daily experience of believers as they grow in love for reach other.
Sometimes I wonder what it might have been like to live in different cultures, families, or eras. Secretly, I have often counted the "Anne of Green Gables" moments in my life, because I think it would be awfully romantic to be that character. haha!! But when I think about how we are living in this "new" covenant of love, that we came after Christ's victory on the cross and can benefit from the teachings he gave to his disciples, I am so thankful for that. We didn't see him, so we cling on in faith as OT people did to the promise of him to come, but we have his words and his actions to read of, and I'm really glad for that.
It is a daily experience, learning and growing in love. I pray that this command and the love of him who gave it will be new to our hearts every day.
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:23
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