John 13:35 By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Disciples of Jesus are known by their love for one another. Of all the qualities that a man or woman can have, love—the sustained direction of the will toward the highest good of another no matter what the cost—is the beacon light of the presence of the life of Christ. This kind of supernatural love is the evidence that a person knows God and is a follower of Jesus. It seems highly probable that based on this statement, John wrote this to the “little children” who received his first epistle. 1 John 3:14. “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 1 John 4:7-8. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” If we know God, we know that Jesus is God in the flesh. If we know God is love, then we know Jesus’ life defined God’s love. He made it tangible, relevant, and real so He could continue loving His own to the very end through us. Today, He lives to love in us, His disciples. That love is the proof that we have His life dwelling in us and that we truly know Him—to the praise of His glorious grace and presence.
Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com
