This Is How They’ll Know

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John 13:31–35

Jesus had just washed His disciples’ feet, Judas had left the room, and the cross was getting closer. With only a short amount of time left to prepare these men for what was coming, Jesus gave them a command that would become one of the defining marks of His followers: “Love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Notice the standard Jesus gave them. He didn’t simply say, “Love people who love you.” He said to love people the way He loved them. Think about the people sitting around that table. Peter would deny Him. The others would scatter when things became dangerous. They were imperfect people who still had a lot to learn, and Jesus loved them anyway.

Then Jesus said something that should challenge every one of us: “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” He didn’t say people would recognize us by how much Scripture we know, how often we attend church, how loudly we defend our beliefs, or how many Christian things we post. Those things may have value, but Jesus said the unmistakable sign of someone following Him should be love.

What if the people around us experienced Jesus because of the way we treated them? The patience we showed. The forgiveness we offered. The encouragement we gave. The phone call we made. The meal we delivered. The grace we extended when it wasn’t deserved. Sometimes the greatest testimony we can give someone isn’t something we say about Jesus. It’s loving them the way Jesus has loved us.

Today’s thought: If someone watched the way I love people today, would it point them toward Jesus?

Circle up!