“A new command I give you: Love one another…” – John 13:34-35 (NIV)
Think of all the popular brands in the world. We don’t necessarily need to see their names and the companies they represent to recognise them. A simple bitten apple or sleek swoosh can instantly tell us what the product is. That’s its trademark; that is the power of a trademark.
Similarly, our defining trademark as disciples is to love one another the same way Christ loves us. Yes, as believers, we are called to know the Word and fellowship with one another, but the proof of a truly changed heart is revealed in how we treat those around us.
Loving one another, even in the hard and uncomfortable seasons, is the command of being a disciple of Christ. People will not see our discipleship in how many verses we can recite, the hours we spend in church, or how our lives appear on the outside. Rather, it is revealed by exhibiting unconditional love, just as Jesus has loved us.
In John 13, Jesus gathered his closest friends right before he went to the cross. He knew His hour had come, and He essentially handed them a trademark that would prove to the world who they belonged to. But He doesn’t just say to love vaguely. He specifies how deep and radical that love must be: to love others as He has loved us.
That means that to follow Christ, we must make the daily choice to surrender ourselves to Him, acknowledging that our lives are about serving and honouring God. We are commanded in Luke 9:23 (NIV), “…Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
As believers, we must make the conscious decision to die to our selfishness, ultimately love sacrificially, intentionally, and selflessly, without asking or expecting anything in return.
Do some introspecting today:
- Is there anyone in my life that I am restraining myself from loving because they hurt or offended me?
- When I help someone, do I do it so others notice my good works, or is it from a heart overflowing with Christlike love?
- When I am frustrated, do I deal with people patiently and with grace, or do I lash out?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be Your disciple. I ask that You enter my heart and teach me how to love others. I want to model Your unconditional and sacrificial love to others. I want to be like You, Lord. I yearn to seek Your face. Make me a living witness to Your glory. This I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 3:23-24
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 84:8-12; Romans 1:18-32; 2 Kings 24:8-20; 2 Kings 25