Showing Others Who We Belong to by Loving One Another

John 13:34-35 – 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. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

It seems like things in America are really changing. Things that were once considered wrong, are now considered right. Conversations that were once taboo, are now commonplace. Activities that were considered immoral, are now okay. Many in our new open and tolerant culture have the perspective that although something may not be “right” for them, who are they to criticize? What is right for you, may not be right for me…but that’s okay. Do what fulfills you and makes you happy. 

In the midst of the confusion brought about by these cultural changes, the one thing we can always rely on is the Word of God. Scripture is clear that we as Christ’s followers have certain responsibilities. We are to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37). We are to share the love, grace, and mercy of God with the world (Matthew 28:16-20), and we are to love one another, more than we love ourselves (Mark 12:31).

It’s easy to show love to others when we have things in common with them, but what about showing love to those who have differing views? God calls us to love one another, and that includes others that we may disagree with. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to strive to be at peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18). If we truly love one another, then through the help of the Holy Spirit we show the kind of love that is patient, kind, bears all things, and believes all things (1 Corinthians 13).

We have even a greater burden to show the love of Christ to those who are not His followers. It’s these people that we may have greater differences with because we are viewing life through competing world-views. When we show love to people with differing world-views, even those who may be antagonistic towards us, we are showing who we belong to. Kindness, love, a peaceable spirit, patience, and a willingness to listen will show that we are different from the world. We have a Savior who enables us to be different, and we want to share His love with as many people as we can.