“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Jesus points to love as the distinguishing mark of the Christian community. He is not referring to a warm feeling of connection (though it is certainly good if we experience that), but to practical, sacrificial love. After all, that is how Jesus Himself loved people. He endured a lot, even from His friends, yet He sacrificed Himself completely for them. His mission was to love them to the very end, even though it cost Him His life.
Jesus gave us the perfect example of pure love. We cannot match His perfection, but we are called to continually reflect on His example while being filled with His deep, unstoppable love for us. That love will become visible in our lives, especially in how we relate to fellow Christians. In this way, even outsiders will recognize that we are followers of Jesus.
Loving one another is precious, and we may enjoy it. At the same time, it can be quite challenging to approach ourselves and others with love—especially when someone behaves negatively or unpleasantly. What is your experience with this, both in general and within the church? What role does love play in your life of faith, and how is it expressed?