A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35 KJV
The distinctive mark of a Christian is not the clothing worn or a cross around the neck, the distinctive mark of a Christian is the love manifested toward other Christians. What makes this love distinctive and new is that it is different than the love expressed and experienced by the rest of the world. The instruction of Jesus was that we are to love each other as He loved. He loved us to the very end. He loved us sacrificially. He died for us. The love of this world is selfish but the love of Jesus is selfless, that is the way He wants us to love each other. We are not to be looking for our own interests but for the interests of others. When Christians love like that, then the world will identify us with Jesus.
Lord, although I believe much has changed in the way I love others, I still feel like I fall far short of Your example. I know to truly make an impact in the lives of other people my love still needs to grow, so I ask that You might help me in this area. I want to love the way You love.
