By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another. – John 13:35
February is a month associated with love because of Valentine’s Day. Many will lavish gifts upon people they have an affinity for, whether it’s expressed in a simple card, a bouquet of flowers or a purchased gift. While it is sweet to see tender affection being expressed, is it truly love?
I am thankful for the Engagement Project we participated in, for we learned much. The best Biblical definition of love was presented like this: “A steadfast, sacrificial zeal that seeks the true good of another”. This definition takes the emphasis off the beloved and puts it on the lover. The question of “Is he or she lovable?” is never regarded, only that they are to be loved. Scripture tells us to consider others, regardless of who they are and to seek to do what’s best for them. It is not a matter of tender affection, but rather a decision to prefer them over yourself.
Jesus gives this as the identifying quality of his people to be witnessed by others. When demonstrated in our lives, others will know this is the hallmark of a true follower of Jesus. In the first century, the people of God were known as “people of the way”. In this passage of John’s gospel, Jesus had just told them he was going to the cross. Peter asked where he was going and Jesus said, “You cannot come, but will follow me later.”. Jesus was going the way of the cross. As Christians, we follow Jesus in the same way, dying to ourselves in order to, with zeal, steadfastly seek the true good of others. Jesus laid down his life in love for us. Let us do the same for others.
In Christ Alone, Pastor David