October 8, 2021 - The cross on Calvary’s hill was already casting its shadow on Jesus when he told the disciples to “love one another” (John 13:34) and then He said, “by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35)
Sadly, of all the commands Jesus gave, this is more talked about and less obeyed than any of them. If we mean anything when we profess to have love for our brothers and sisters in Christ, it should show itself in our dealings with them.
Love is to be the grand characteristic and distinguishing mark of the followers of Jesus. Notice, Jesus does not name gifts or miracles as being the mark of a Christian. He says it is love. A grace within the reach of the poorest, lowliest believer on the face of the earth.
We can have sound doctrinal opinions, we can be completely orthodox in our view of the Gospel and still be wanting in the eyes of Jesus. If we in our daily lives, give way to ill-temper, malice, envy, quarrelling, squabbling, bickering, surliness, passion, snappish language and cross words, we are not exemplifying Jesus in our lives.
It is useless for us to talk about justification and regeneration unless others can see in us practical Christian love as Jesus commands.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” How are we doing with that?
It’s something to think about…..TBP
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Center Church of Christ
www.centerchurchofchrist.com
