Daily Power #299

“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.” (John 13:34–35)

When I was in college, it was pretty easy to identify other students based on what they were wearing. Those in fraternities and sororities almost always wore something sporting their Greek letters. The jocks usually had on team shirts or some other apparel related to their sport. The preppies had polo ponies and alligators on everything. Dance majors wore tights. And business majors often kept their dress shirts tucked in and buttoned down.

It wasn’t so different once I got out of college either. It’s so tempting to see a uniform, a business logo, or team mascot and assume we can know a lot about someone. Christians are no different and love to wear a cross, tattoo a Bible verse, or display a faith-based twist to a familiar saying. But Jesus told us the best way we can make sure others know who we are is by the way we love each other.

When we love others with the selfless, sacrificial love of Christ, then others notice. We stand out. We don’t need to dress differently, cover our cars with bumper stickers, or wear a certain symbol or emblem.

We just need to love.

Power Lift

Jesus, I want others to know I belong to you by the way I love the people around me. Give me a tender heart so I can see beyond their surface impressions.