What is the real test of being a Christian? Is it doing great works of good, is it by enduring persecution, having beautiful worship or something else?
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35.
WHAT CHRIST DID NOT SAY
It is interesting that Christ did not say going to church makes people know you are his disciple, or giving to charity, owning a Bible, wearing a cross, or experiencing a miracle.
EVERYONE
Our lives are on display. We may not like it, but it is the truth—the world sees. If a person is following the Lord, it will be on public record through the eyes of each person they meet.
IT IS ABOUT JESUS
Jesus's teaching is unique and unmistakable. If we follow his teaching, we will naturally love one another. If we follow anybody else's teaching, we will not have this supernatural love for Christ's followers.
We need his teaching, and we need it in our lives. We need to sit at his feet, read his word, and listen to his spirit.
LOVE
Love is not just good feelings. It involves many actions, such as giving, service, and sacrifice. The Lord gave the ultimate example of love, for the Bible says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16.
ONE ANOTHER
Christ said this love does not have favorites. His disciples will love not just nice people, but all people. Jesus spent a lot of time with the maimed, messed up and underclasses. It cost him his reputation and earned the disdain of those who cherished earthly status over the spiritual treasure.
IF YOU DON'T LOVE
Not to love is very bad. It suggests that a person has never experienced the Gospel's saving power. Jesus spoke of salvation as a new birth, which means we have a new life and a power to love which comes from a union with Christ in his life and death. If love does not characterize your life reconsider the question of your salvation.
To find out more about becoming born again by faith in Jesus visit my other blog: Click here.
(c)Adron Dozat 8/30/13
