John 13:35
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Scripture Insights
How will outsiders distinguish authentic faith in Christ? Will it be by our acts of compassion for the poor, by our beautiful buildings, by our amazing worship services, by our well-manicured landscaping, or by our sharp branding and marketing strategies? These may all be important, but any group can accomplish these with enough money, strategy, and hard work. What will distinguish the church of Christ from counterfeits?
Jesus’s answer is: by how we love each other. No human activity can accomplish this. It is only possible as the Spirit has his way in the hearts of God’s people. Beware of allowing the important to crowd out the essential: love one another as Jesus loved.
As we navigate 2025 and our vision to bring people to Jesus, we must remember that the one evidence we are his disciples is that we love one another like Jesus loved. The best first step in bringing people to Jesus is to show the world we have Jesus among us. If we really want everyone to recognize that we are uniquely authentic, we must love one another as he loved.
Today’s Prayer
Father, guide us toward the humility that is necessary for us to acknowledge our
need to be broken and willing to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, even when it is difficult. Remind us that the best way to attract the world is to offer a community that cannot be found anywhere else except in his authentic church.
—Mark Bane
Director, Evangelism and New Church Development, USA/Canada Region
