Showing Christ's Love
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:35
Imagine if someone were to put your life on trial and accuse you of being a Christian. Would there be enough evidence to convict you? Jesus tells us that the primary evidence, the exhibit A of our faith, is not our biblical knowledge, our regular church attendance, or our political stance. The one irrefutable proof of our discipleship is our love for people.
The love Jesus calls us to is nothing short of radical and countercultural. It is relatively easy to love people who are nice to us, who look like us, and who agree with our opinions; even people without faith can do that. The love of Christ, however, is demonstrated when we choose to love those who are difficult, different, or even hostile toward us. It is a love that remains patient when its patience is tested. It is a love that shows kindness when kindness is not reciprocated. It is a love that forgives when the wound is deep and the apology is absent. This kind of supernatural love has the power to shock the world and make people stop and ask, "Why are you like this?" It is the most powerful apologetic for the truth of the gospel, for we are never more like God than when we are loving others.
I once watched a family in our church love a young man who had broken into their home and stolen valuable possessions from them. Instead of pressing charges and seeking retribution, they pressed in with support and grace. They visited him, helped him find a job, and even welcomed him to their dinner table. The community was baffled by their response, but the young man was completely broken by their kindness. He eventually gave his life to Christ because he had encountered a love that made absolutely no human sense. That is the kind of love that truly changes the world.
Ask God to bring to your mind one specific person who needs to experience His love through you this week. It might be a lonely neighbor, a difficult family member, or a coworker who has wronged you. Plan one specific act of love to show them Jesus, with no strings attached.
Jesus, please fill my heart with Your supernatural love, so that others can see a clear reflection of You in me. Help me to love sacrificially, unconditionally, and authentically. Let my love be so distinct and so genuine that it points people directly to You. In Your name, Amen.
Imagine if someone were to put your life on trial and accuse you of being a Christian. Would there be enough evidence to convict you? Jesus tells us that the primary evidence, the exhibit A of our faith, is not our biblical knowledge, our regular church attendance, or our political stance. The one irrefutable proof of our discipleship is our love for people.
The love Jesus calls us to is nothing short of radical and countercultural. It is relatively easy to love people who are nice to us, who look like us, and who agree with our opinions; even people without faith can do that. The love of Christ, however, is demonstrated when we choose to love those who are difficult, different, or even hostile toward us. It is a love that remains patient when its patience is tested. It is a love that shows kindness when kindness is not reciprocated. It is a love that forgives when the wound is deep and the apology is absent. This kind of supernatural love has the power to shock the world and make people stop and ask, "Why are you like this?" It is the most powerful apologetic for the truth of the gospel, for we are never more like God than when we are loving others.
I once watched a family in our church love a young man who had broken into their home and stolen valuable possessions from them. Instead of pressing charges and seeking retribution, they pressed in with support and grace. They visited him, helped him find a job, and even welcomed him to their dinner table. The community was baffled by their response, but the young man was completely broken by their kindness. He eventually gave his life to Christ because he had encountered a love that made absolutely no human sense. That is the kind of love that truly changes the world.
Ask God to bring to your mind one specific person who needs to experience His love through you this week. It might be a lonely neighbor, a difficult family member, or a coworker who has wronged you. Plan one specific act of love to show them Jesus, with no strings attached.
Jesus, please fill my heart with Your supernatural love, so that others can see a clear reflection of You in me. Help me to love sacrificially, unconditionally, and authentically. Let my love be so distinct and so genuine that it points people directly to You. In Your name, Amen.
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