Together in Christ: 'The Best Way to Identify Us' — John 13:34-35

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[Jesus told his disciples,] "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
— John 13:34-35 NLT

Key Thought

For six or seven years, I traveled around the U.S. and other countries working with churches and church leaders. As people talked to me about their congregation, they mentioned their strengths, problems, church building, location, demographics, size, giving, ministries, commitment to Scripture, and friendliness. Jesus, however, says there is one surefire way to identify a church where He is welcomed, followed, and honored: The people love each other! Jesus made clear in our verses today that His disciples don't need a sign to tell people they follow Jesus. Instead, their love for each other will show they belong to Jesus!

When the early apostles were arrested and threatened by the same powerful men who had Jesus crucified, they didn't back down but spoke boldly about their faith. These powerful men knew the apostles were not the most educated or sophisticated people, but...

They... recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. [1]

When we love each other, the world recognizes that we have been with Jesus! [2]

How does your church show it belongs to Jesus? How do you and I show the world we are Jesus' disciples? In our verses today, Jesus said very plainly what the answer should be, didn't He?

"Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."
[1] Acts 4:13.
[2] Acts 2:42, 44-46, 4:32-35.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, fill us with Your Spirit and empower us to love each other as Jesus has loved us. We want to be known for our love for each other so others will want to be part of Your loving family. We offer our heartfelt prayer to you in the authority of Jesus. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 John 3:16-18, 4:7-12
  • Acts 2:42, 44-46, 4:32-34, 6:1-7

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Illustration

Illustration of John 13:34-35 NLT — [Jesus told his disciples,] "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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