34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35 ESV
Two things jumped out at me in these verses.
The first is the word "commandment". God does not suggest we love others He does not recommend it. Love for others is not just a good idea. It is a commandment.
A commandment is a mandate. A rule or law from the highest of authority. No gray area. No negotiation. It is interesting that so many Christians get caught up in the minutiae of religion, but fail so miserably in a clear command from Christ- to love one another.
Ordination of women and divorced deacons have split churches. Six days or six epochs of creation have divided denominations. Christ articulated no commands on the trivial. But love for each other is a nonnegotiable. Do we treat it as such? If we say we do, how do we demonstrate that love?
Second, is how people will know we are Christ's disciples. It is by following the previous commandment- to love one another. Bumper stickers won't do it. Church attendance is not the sign. Mission trips to Ecuador are not even what determine discipleship. In Jesus' own words, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (emphasis mine)
Do we following his command, and do others know we are his disciples by our love?
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