There are markers that help us identify the Lord’s people today.
What are the qualities and marks of the Lord’s Church? That is a question that many have endeavoured to answer over the centuries. Of course, there are some adequate answers to this question. However, one essential characteristic of His Church is love. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” When you read this verse, you may wonder, is love really a new command, and how does this command distinguish us from the world? These are valid questions, but a careful observation of the text reveals that what is new isn’t love. God’s people have always been required to love (Leviticus 19:18). No, the new command that Jesus gave to His disciples relates to a new standard of love. Jesus expects His disciples to love each other to the level and extent of His love. Notice that in John 13:34, Jesus says, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” And when you think about how Jesus demonstrated love to the point of dying on the cross, we learn that His love for the world, and especially His disciples, was immense. His love wasn’t a soft, gooey, sentimental type of love but a love that was heroic, sacrificial and moved by genuine concern for the well-being of others. It is this standard of love that is the new command. Christians are to love each other with the type of love that Jesus demonstrated.
When Christians are motivated to care for each other with this kind of love, they will involve themselves in each other lives. They will support each other in difficulty. They will forgive each others wrongs. They will take time to listen to one another. They will be compelled to action when someone’s well-being is at stake. They will reach out to someone in sin and warn them of their life’s choices. And, if necessary, will implement disciplinary measures to dissuade people from their sins. They will do what is needed to ensure that the best interests of others are served, even if it means risking their own lives at times (Romans 16:3-4). Of course, loving like this is not easy. However, as we continually consider Jesus’ love for us and grow in spiritual maturity, we get better at it. As we do, it indicates to the world that we are genuine disciples of Jesus.
