How Will They Know?

Posted by Tim

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

John, in the passage he scribed about the final days of Christ on earth, recalls three events of the time. In Chapter 13:18-38 John begins with a recall of how Christ treated Judas just before he betrayed Christ in the Garden of Gesthamene. At the end of the passage, John recalls that Christ said to Simon Peter he would deny Christ three times in the same garden.

Note the juxtaposition of these two events of history with verse 34 where John records, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35

In our time together Sunday, Pastor Tom (he likes that we call him Pastor Tom) first outlined how love was demonstrated in the early church. In Acts 5:12 we're told that the early Christians showed generosity toward those in need. In Acts 6 we read of how the early church cared for widows. In Hebrew 10 we're told that they prayed and visited prisoners. In Ephesians 4 Paul outlines how the early church showed kindness toward those who offended them. Other passages illustrate how members of the early church removed cultural barriers that had separated them before, and they risked their life to share the Gospel.

Next, we considered how love is seen today in the home in our families, in the church as we help one another, toward strangers as in the parable of the Good Samaritan, toward enemies, in our support of the international church as outlined in Romans 15, and how we treat those who offend us as illustrated in Romans 12.

So, what are some principles we can draw from this passage? First, you can be a Christian without being loving. Think about it...the passage says they will "know" we are Christians by our love. Second, if you seek to be an effective Christian, then you will show love to those you encounter in your life. Finally, true Christian love will be tough and timely. Think back to John 13:27 where Christ said to Judas, "What you do, do quickly." And review what Christ said to Peter in John 13:38 that he would deny Christ three times before morning.

Now, let's put a little music to this lesson. Hum the tune as you read these words to the well known Christian song.

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We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restore
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each other's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

By our love, by our love

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

By our love, by our love

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love