We identify things by comparing their qualities to the qualities of other things we know. Consider the following description. It is round. It is oval. It is white. It is in a carton with 11 others just like it. It must be an _____. (See answer below.)
In John 13:35, Jesus says how people will identify His disciples. They will love one another. But what does it mean to love? First, love is an emotion. It is a warm affection based upon high regard for someone. It compels you to take an interest in the well-being of another. Second, love is a choice. We can decide to love anyone in this way, be they a stranger or even an enemy.
A better definition is a word picture. Ms. Smith is 70 years old. Her neighbor’s two children are named John and Jane. Every Thursday, she bakes cookies and invites them over. They help her out with household chores. One day, their mom ends up in the hospital, so they stay with Ms. Smith. They are both so worried about their mom, so Ms. Smith holds them, giving them comfort and security, as long as they need it. That is the love of John 13:35.
Are you missing that sort of love in your life? As Christians, the number of Ms. Smiths in our lives is too large to count. There are a lot of Mr. Smiths also. Come, see for yourself on Sunday! Are you someone who struggles to show love to others? Then sit down with me over an open Bible, and let’s study about becoming Jesus’ disciple!
(answer = egg)
Photo by Ravi Singh on Unsplash
