November
3 Bible Reading: John Chapters 13-15
The ONE DISTINGUISHING MARK of TRUE DISCIPLES of CHRIST!
"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)
Before our
Lord Jesus Christ left for His eternal abode in heaven, He told His disciples
that the world will recognize them through one distinguishing mark: their love for one another. During His
absence, they were to be governed by the ‘new
commandment of love’. This commandment was new because the Holy Spirit would empower believers to obey it, and
so it was superior to the old. The old said, “Love your neighbor” (Lev. 19:18) but the new said, “Love your enemies” (Matt. 5:43-44). It called for a higher degree of love: “As I have loved you, that you also love one
another” (v. 34), and thus this commandment has a new motive and a new scope.
Christ commands us to love each other just
as sacrificially as He has loved us! (See Matt. 25:40; Gal. 6:10; Eph.
5:25)
The badge of
Christian discipleship is not a cross worn around the neck or on the lapel or
some distinctive type of clothing. Anyone could profess discipleship by these
means. The true mark of a disciple of Christ is the sincere agape love for other Christians. This requires divine power, and this power is only
given to those indwelt by the Spirit! The
world should recognize us as the Disciples of Christ because our relationship
to each other is permeated with love!
Let us
clearly understand that unbelievers recognize the true disciples of Jesus not by their doctrines, or, by their
scriptural expertise or, by their ability to perform dramatic miracles, or, even
by their love for the lost. They recognize His disciples by their deeds of love
for one another. The servant-like,
selfless love that Christians display toward one another witnesses to the world
that they are true disciples!
A key test
of our commitment to Christ and our love for God is indicated by our love for
other believers. It is not just our words that express our love, but our attitudes and actions as well. The way to show love to fellow believers is by
doing simple acts of service for our
fellow believers who have needs. This may include sending notes of
encouragement, visiting them, providing them meals, showing them empathy or,
even giving them a friendly smile.
Finally,
note that Jesus did not say that others would know we are His disciples by what
we say, or how we dress, or what we know, or the label of our denomination. He
said, “As I have loved you” (John
13:34). Shortly afterward, He laid down
His life for His disciples! How does our
love to others compare with the love that Jesus has displayed on the cross
of Calvary?
"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death." (1 John 3:14)
