By our love.
Francis Schaefer, famed theologian, wrote that the mark of a Christian is love. You wouldn’t necessarily know it by the way we behave sometimes. But I guess that is true of any group. E.g. Try to put all “Americans” in a box that adequately describes them. We are a diverse group of people.
Schaefer looks on John 13:34-35: “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.”
Our primary character is to be one of love. Despite our various roles as employers and employees, parents and children, citizen and state, our overall character should reflect love…as Jesus loved us. Jesus gave His life for us, now that’s a high order love. And that’s how we should love others today with tough and gentle, unconditional love.
Look for it throughout the day…opportunities to leave your mark. No amount of good deeds, without love and compassion, will make much difference. But living a life marked by love – that makes all the difference in the world.
Your post today sure makes me think of 1 Corin 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
Good cross reference Cindy. Sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in theology we become distracted from the basics, like the powerful love of Jesus. Thanks for your comment!
My mission, to bring more love today and everyday, tough love sometimes works as well. 🙂 ***LOVE this post***
Emily, your comment reminds me of the old praise chorus, “More love, more power, more of You in my life.” Thanks for sharing. Bryan