What Does the World See? by David Jeremiah

What Does the World See? 

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. 
John 13:35 

Recommended Reading 1 John 3:14; 4:20

If you see men in long black coats, white shirts, black hats, and beards, you are probably seeing Orthodox Jews. If you see someone bowing before a large statue of a man with his legs crossed and hands resting in his lap, this person is probably an adherent of Buddhism. This is not to place stereotypes on these or any other religions, but to recognize that religious groups are often identified by their behavior and appearance. But how does the world identify a Christian?

There is one sign by which Jesus said the world should be able to know they are looking at a group of Christians—their love for one another. In fact, the apostle John said our love for others can be a sign not just to the public but to ourselves. Love is how we know “we have passed from death to life” (1 John 3:14). The question is, What does the world see when it looks at the Church? Does it see love and caring—or the opposite? As an individual member of the Church, what are you contributing to that picture?

The new commandment that Jesus left with all who would follow Him is that we would love each other the way He has loved us (John 13:34).

Ceasing to be “in love” need not mean ceasing to love. 
C. S. Lewis