KNOWN BY OUR LOVE
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “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. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35, ESV
Theme: Jesus’ commandment to love supersedes our preferences. Love others!
A GOD-MOVEMENT
I’ve enjoyed watching “Jesus Revolution” several times now and, each time, I become even more inspired by the magnitude of life change that occurred during this movement. Thousands of people were baptized on the coast of California, and it’s estimated that 250,000 people gave their lives to Christ. But, before the momentum, the publicity and the “feel good” movie, there were simply…people. They didn’t look like a traditional church congregation. They may not have understood religious rituals or memorized prayers. Perhaps they had never held a Bible. They were a counterculture collection of barefoot, long-haired, possibly strung-out, flower children.
THE SIXTIES
Now consider the climate of the late 1960’s. Don’t think of it in terms of the lax moral standards that seem obvious today. Imagine yourself in the middle of race riots, war protests, and political tensions. It’s easy to envision what I would have done back then, knowing what I know now. Certainly, I would have loved, welcomed, invited and worshiped beside the atypical bunch of hippy Jesus-seekers, just like Calvary Church did at the time, wouldn’t I? I desperately want to believe I would have seen each of them the way God does. But, would I have overlooked their dirty feet on the new church carpet, their “totally inappropriate for church” clothes, and the odd collection of tambourines, bongos, or ukeleles they brought to worship? Suddenly, I’m not convinced I would have been so eager to extend a warm welcome.
IN THIS SEASON
We don’t have to look as far back as the 60’s for a time when people had fundamental differences in backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs. Every generation has its own source of discontent. That’s the consequence of living in a fallen world. But God simplifies it for us, down to one simple thing…Love.
There are important components of today’s Scripture that I don’t want you to miss. First, it’s a commandment, not a suggestion. John records Jesus’ words: “A new commandment I give to you.” Second, there is a reminder to love “just as I have loved you.” Since He has loved me unconditionally, full of mercy, grace and forgiveness, I therefore must love others in that same way.
Next, loving “one another” infers action. It does not delineate who is included and who you can self-select out. And finally, John finishes with “by this (love), people will know you are my disciples.” Our identification as Christ followers is not by our dress, the Scriptures we’ve memorized, how many tick marks we have in the “went to church” column, or how much we give financially. We will be known as His by the way we love others.
Make It Personal: In the movie Jesus Revolution, the hippies and “Jesus Freaks” are misunderstood and marginalized. Who are you uncomfortable welcoming into your circle? Who doesn’t look like you, act like you, or believe like you do? Who are the outcasts in our society and how can we make Jesus more accessible to them? Let’s start by being obedient and offering unconditional love.
Pray: God, open my mind and open my heart. Give me eyes to see those in my path the way You see them and to love them unconditionally. I want to be known as Your servant, reflecting the love I have freely received from You. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Matthew 5:43-48
Weekly Memory Verse: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11, ESV