Be Known By Love: The Mark of a True Disciple
A reflection on John 13:31-35 and the essence of Christian discipleship
In the gospel of John, chapter 13, verses 31 to 35, we are presented with a profound teaching by Jesus to His disciples. It is a moment of intense instruction, set against the backdrop of His impending betrayal and sacrifice. Here, Jesus lays out what should be the distinguishing mark of His followers. Surprisingly, it is not found in the acts of service, humility, or even sacrifice that we might expect.
Instead, Jesus points us towards love. Not just any love, but a love that echoes His own - sacrificial, unconditional, and all-encompassing. It is this love that Jesus commands His disciples to have for one another, a love that would define them in the eyes of the world.
How do we recognize someone's allegiance or passion in life? Is it not by the symbols they adorn, the uniforms they wear, or the actions they perform? Similarly, our identity as followers of Christ is to be marked by a very specific trait - love. This is not a superficial or self-serving love, but a love that mirrors the one Jesus demonstrated on the cross - the ultimate act of love.
As members of the body of Christ, we are called to embody this love in our interactions with one another. It is easy to get caught up in the externals of our faith - the doctrines we adhere to, the practices we follow, or the spiritual disciplines we maintain. While these are important, they are not what truly define us as disciples of Christ. Our true identity is revealed in how we love.
The challenge Jesus presents is clear: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." This statement, made in the context of Jesus washing His disciples' feet, underscores the selfless and servant-hearted nature of the love we are to exhibit. It is a love that is not confined to our comfort zones or limited to those we find easy to love. Rather, it is a love that reaches out, even when it is hard, even when it requires sacrifice on our part.
Let us examine ourselves today. Are we known by the love of Christ? Is this love evident in our actions, in our words, and in our attitudes towards one another? Let our love not be an inward-focused sentiment, but a dynamic force that reaches out and transforms the world around us. In a world marred by division and despair, may our love stand as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love.
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