A Loving Command

This devotion is a page taken from my book "Worship and Wonder: Faith-Filled Devotions." Enjoy!

Jesus tells us that the world will know we are His disciples by the uniqueness of our love for one another; not by our songs of worship, not by our righteousness, not by our thorough knowledge of Scripture. Although these practices are a vital part of a Christian’s life, they ultimately are not what draws others to their Savior. Only the love of God flowing through our lives can do something so powerful as that. Everyone needs love, everyone desires love. When people feel loved they listen. Love has the greatest impact of all.

Scripture plainly tells us that unless the signature of our lives is love, all our preaching and praising will be in vain and sound much like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)

We are commanded over and over again to love, not only those whom we agree with, but those we would rather not even associate with. Love is the glorious and holy standard that Jesus calls us to pursue in representing Him accurately and well. Love is the basis by which we should judge our words and actions towards others in this world. Love should give us pause before opening our mouths and closing off doors. Jesus came from Heaven in pursuit of imperfect sinners—people just like you and me—and He gave His life in the fullest expression of sacrificial love, despite our depravity. He did not come to judge us, but rather to love us into His Family, and He commands us to love others sacrificially in His Name.

Love must be the obvious signature of our lives—our worship must be infused and overflowing with praise and love for God; our righteousness should be spurred on by a love for God’s ways; our knowledge of the Bible propelled by a love for God’s Words. But to reach others with the Gospel Message, a love for others must pave the way. Love softens hearts, it breaks down walls, it removes barriers, and opens ears. Love reveals Jesus most authentically.

Here are a few questions to help us assess our hearts and attitudes before speaking or engaging with others: “Am I reacting on selfish impulse or in hateful retribution, or responding in selfless Christ-like love? Am I representing Jesus well? Would He be pleased with me? Am I obeying His command to love others?” How we answer these questions directs the course of our lives and impacts the lives of others as well. Our behavior has the power to lead people to seek the Savior or push them further away.

Let’s live for Jesus and love others extravagantly in His Name.

John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

How does knowing that love is not an option change the way you approach and respond to people? Who can you share Jesus’ love with? Ask the Lord to help you represent Him well.

I captured this photo in Los Olivos, California. My sister and I spent the day celebrating her birthday there last year. This quaint house with roses out front caught my eye. It reminds me that God's house is a warm and loving place where everyone is welcome.

#bibleverse #loveoneanother #Godislove #Jesuslovesyou #faith #dailydevotions