John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (NIV). Notice how Jesus doesn’t say, “if you perform the miracles I have been performing,” or, “if you talk about me with unbelievers,” or, “if you stand up for your faith in the face of opposition.” The disciples went on to do this and more as they formed the early church, but it wasn’t by the miracles, their speeches, or their boldness that formed the early church. It was their love.
Acts 2:42-47 talks about how the apostles devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They gave to anyone who had need. They continued to meet together. They were joyful and constantly praised God. And Acts 2:47b says, “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (NIV).
This community of love is what made the church spread like wildfire even in the face of opposition. To experience the apostles’ love for one another was to experience the love of Jesus—and people couldn’t get enough.
It is not through arguments, lofty speech, theological debates, political conversations, loud demonstrations, church attendance, or social media posts that the Lord will add to our number daily those who are being saved. It is by our love for one another. Especially in times of division and suffering, we have the opportunity to show the world who Jesus truly is by the way we love one another.
Reflection/Discussion Question: What does it look like to live out Jesus’s love for one another in your every day life?
Comments