| By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35). In this Bible verse, Jesus Himself tells His followers that the world will know them not because of what they say but because of what they do. Are you a reflection of God’s love? Of course society has many thoughts on what it looks like to be “a loving person” but what did Christ mean when He said it? 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that God’s love is patient and kind. God’s love is gentle and does not seek to wound. God’s love is open and truthful. God’s love is not selfish and temporary. God’s love does not seek revenge. By contrast, the world’s view of love is often impatient and unkind. The world’s view of love is often harsh and hurtful. The world’s view of love is often deceitful and untruthful. The world’s view of love is often selfish and temporary. The world’s view of love is often spiteful and vengeful. The challenge any of us face when attempting to show others love is found in whether or not we know Jesus personally. Have we personally experienced the love that God gives through the person and work of Christ Jesus? The Truth is, unless we know God and are walking in the Spirit we can easily fall into the patterns of the world’s love. But once we accept Christ’s offer of forgiveness of sin, we instantly and fully become a child of the Living God. This, the Bible says, makes us “a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The word “new” here is the joy of walking in the Spirit and not being controlled by our old sin nature. When we walk in the Spirit, we are known by true love. (Galatians 5:22). True love will always point people to Christ and give Him glory for the change He has brought in our lives. In Christ, |
| Jonathan Falwell |