While watching the orbit of Uranus, astronomers noticed that the planet didn’t seem to orbit as expected, almost as if there was another unknown planet nearby whose gravity was pulling Uranus toward it. Using mathematics, the scientists were able to compute both the position and the mass of this unknown object and then observed it for the first time in 1846: the previously unknown planet Neptune. Math allowed them to identify Neptune before they could even see it!
This reminds me of how unbelievers can see God in us before personally recognizing His reality themselves. But how? For we don’t receive a badge or jacket proclaiming to the world that we’re Jesus’ disciples when we become believers in Him. Some might choose to make this identification based on whether a person goes to church or not, but we all know it’s not that easy. It can be quite difficult to identify whether someone is a true disciple of Christ.
But in John 13, Jesus reveals how—even without any kind of outward sign—we can identify someone as a true believer: by the way they love one another. Jesus said, “I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other” (John 13:34).
This shouldn’t surprise us, given how central love is to our faith in Him. Consider that love is the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38) and the ultimate fulfillment of the entire Law (Romans 13:8). Love is also the evidence that Christ is Lord over our lives. “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples,” the Savior declared (John 13:35).
Our love for one another truly reveals our love for God!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 11:1-10; 12:29-36
More:
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 for another reminder of how important love is.
Next:
How do you typically identify someone as being a believer in Jesus? Who is God calling you to love? How is He calling you to truly love them?
Gary Shultz on February 9, 2016 at 6:42 am
Peter identifying believers is tricky sometimes. The way we love fellow believers is dynamic from heaven itself, and we need to practice that more. I often find myself in groups of people, being and finding a practicing believer is sometimes challenging. I find many times, it’s not what is said, it’s what is not said in today’s work place. A kind gesture, opening a door, allowing someone in front of you in the cafe line, small consistent acts of kindness often shows that something inside generates to the outside. Thanks Peter.
gagirllive on February 9, 2016 at 6:46 am
Peter, I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I’m seeing evidence of what Jesus said in Matthew 24…how, “because of increased wickedness, the love of many will wax cold”. It’s disturbing to see such a lack of affection among God’s people…and it causes me to do a self-check quite often. I pray for opportunities to lay down my selfishness and walk in unfeigned love toward my brothers and sisters…not just words, but actions. I love what the book of Acts says about the early church…”they were devoted to one another”…Devoted! Christians demonstrating sincere, self-less, and sacrificial love toward one another gets the world’s attention. This kind of agape love is stunning. I like the analogy you made about Uranus…how the scientists saw the effects of a force (Neptune) that was pulling it before they ever knew the reality of that force. You’re right…that is exactly what the world needs to see from us… so they can ask, “What causes you to be like this?” Yes… loving God, loving others…the horizontal and vertical lines of the cross. Encouraging post, Peter. Thanks!
Tim Gustafson on February 9, 2016 at 6:55 am
Yes, agreed, this is an excellent analogy. They’ll know something is different about us.
I find that how I react when I make a mistake or am rude or impatient can make all the difference too. Genuine apologies and a heartfelt attempt to make things right can cause people to stop and wonder why.
gagirllive on February 9, 2016 at 7:59 am
So true, Tim. It’s quite a testimony in today’s society to say, “I’m sorry; I was wrong.” I did this not long ago and when I asked the person if they would forgive me (which in her mind was a very minor infraction), she was blown away!…very foreign to her way of thinking and life experience.
jim spillane on February 9, 2016 at 11:37 am
I think that I’m going to sit in Gary’s corner on this one, “identifying believers is tricky.” I worked for 30 years in the public services industry and I often viewed others who seemed quite loving towards their family, relatives, friends, others they came in contact with, but in the end were not saved believers at all, they just appeared that way. Perhaps they had been taught all their lives to be loving and kind, that this was the right thing to do, without ever any instruction or thought being passed on as to why this must be so. The love and kindness shown ended right where it began, with the act and with no spiritual identification or reason. Do you know what I mean? Things aren’t always what they appear to be.
gagirllive on February 9, 2016 at 1:40 pm
You’re right…things aren’t always what they appear to be. A deeper look beyond the surface will usually reveal what’s true. I think the kind of love that we’re talking about here goes beyond just being nice and courteous. It certainly is that (love is not rude) but so much more. What sets it apart from just a moral nicety is that it is agape…unconditional…no ulterior motives, no strings attached…only the good of the other person is what you desire. It is showing acts of love when it costs. This kind of “family love” in the Body of Christ is in stark contrast to “worldly” love. Many loving families who don’t know Christ have fallen apart at the seams in times of tragedy and difficulty…(as well as Christian families who are not rooted and grounded in their faith, sadly) To me, there is something very different about genuine Christ – like love as practiced among believers. It never fails.
Tom Felten on February 9, 2016 at 1:35 pm
Peter, I’m reminded of Paul’s instruction to “speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church” (Ephesians 4:15). Such an important balance!
street on February 9, 2016 at 5:40 pm
a Holy God loves sinners,
sinners love a Holy God,
they shall both meet in Christ Jesus.