The Greatest Love

Though He was King of Glory incarnate,
He condescended to be known by men.
Indeed, more: He referred to some as "friend"
And said that, His lead, they should imitate.

And then one ev'ning, after they all ate,
He gave instructive summary to them,
And said that they'd be known as His, to men:
When to each other, love, they'd demonstrate.

Indeed, this is the greatest love that is,
That someone lay his life down for a friend.
The next day, with this love, His life He gave.
Though often failing, His church walks in this:
As, writing, Tertullian cites pagan men:
"Look! For each other, such a love they have."

a Petrarchan sonnet

John 13:34-35
John 15:12-15
Romans 5:6-8