Today’s verse is a two-part commandment from God.

The first part tells us to believe. When we believe in something, we accept it to be true. Therefore, when we “believe in the name of [God’s] Son, Jesus Christ,” we accept Jesus and His teachings to be true.

The second thing God commands in this verse is to “love one another.” What does that mean?

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 explains it perfectly:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

It’s usually easy to love our friends and family, but the people we don’t like are another story. How do we love them? By dwelling on what Jesus did for us.

“But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

So, the next time someone makes you angry, forgive them. The next time someone wrongs you, forgive them. The next time anyone does something you don’t like, forgive them. More than that, love them because Jesus loves you.