“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35 NKJV
If you come across a police officer, the reason why you can identify him isn’t only because of his uniform, but also the badge on it. If someone else wears a replica of the uniform, without the badge, they wouldn’t be acknowledged as an officer. In the same way, love is our badge with which we show the world that we are Christians.
In our anchor text, Jesus clearly says that how we love each other is a testament that we are truly His disciples. You cannot claim to love God and hate others around you (1 John 4:20). In the Bible, we see that faith in God is always followed by love for others (Ephesians 1:15). Your disposition to the body of Christ says a lot about your love for God.
It doesn’t just stop at loving the body of Christ alone, even unbelievers love those who love them, but the type of love the Bible instructs is different (1 Corinthians 13:1-7). Let the world feel the love of God through you. Christ showed us that we can love even the unlovable and undeserving (Romans 5:6-8). For example, you show Christian love when you forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it.
We have been commanded to love others just as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). It might seem impossible, but love isn’t only a commandment, it is a fruit of our regenerated Spirit. Thus, you are empowered to love your neighbour.
Jesus expressed love in how He healed the sick, and how He fed those who were hungry (Matthew 12:15, 14:13-21, 15:30). He was moved with compassion many times, even when He was tired (Luke 4:40). We must seek to imitate this kind of love toward others (Ephesians 5:1-2).
Moreso, we must love others because we are soul winners. Jesus was always graceful to sinners, but His goal was to turn them from a life of sin to a life of righteousness (John 8:11). Love should drive you to evangelise to the unsaved. This is one of the greatest ways to show love to others.
Today, ensure you take practical steps to show love to others. Use kind words, be generous to those in need. Pray for people around you and bear their burdens with them. Loving people should be evidence by which we can tell that you are a Child of God.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to show your love to others. The world will know that I am your disciple by my love.
Bible Reading Plan: Ezekiel 25-27