This is how they will know

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

Jesus’ ministry was at point where He was giving His last minute instructions. He was leaving and was giving instructions on how the disciples were to advance His kingdom while He was gone.

So what would mark His disciples? What would set them apart? How would people know the Jesus followers from everyone else?

One word answers all of those questions – love. ‘They will know you are my disciples by the way you love each other.

The test that Jesus said measures us is how much we as believers love each other.

Why is it then that the church is so divided? I am not talking about doctrinal differences or the faith. Why are we so divided over the petty things like the songs we sing, the way we dress for church, the translations we use, our styles of worship, or so many other things like.

I have no problem with the individuality of local churches. The body would be boring if every church were exactly alike.

My problem comes with our attitude towards each other over our differences. Instead of love we often see childish and pettiness mark our attitudes toward each other. We get jealous over others’ successes or critical over their failures. We kick our brothers while they are down and we shoot our own wounded.

They will know we are Christians by our love? How are you and I doing matching up to that standard?