“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:35 NKJV
Yesterday, we discussed love for unbelievers and how we should show it to them. Today, we’ll look at the love for believers. Love distinguishes the believer not only to the world, but also to the body of Christ. Jesus tells his disciples in our anchor verse how they will be recognized – by their love. Furthermore, we have a great model in Christ. Remember, the sacrifice of Christ is not just a message to believe but an example to emulate.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” – 1 John 3:16 NIV
It is essential that we love and cherish our fellow believers (John 13:34). Your earthly families aren’t strangers to you because you share similar genes; similarly, your fellow believer isn’t a stranger. You have similar spiritual beliefs! if you can love and cherish your earthly family, how much more your spiritual family?
Our actions should reflect our love for one another (1 John 3:18). It should be seen when we pray for the body of Christ, show compassion for another believer, help that brother or sister, and forgive that church member (Ephesians 4:32). Unbelievers should desire our love and unity as a result of our love for one another. If you love God, you will love the body of Christ, knowing full well that whatever you do to a believer, you do to God as well (1 John 4:11).
Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 29-30