By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. Christ commands us to love others, which indicates that love is not just a feeling or a preference. It is how one chooses to relate to others. It is a decision, a commitment, or an action.
Jesus says that the world will know that we are His disciples if we behave lovingly toward one another. Disputes, unkind criticisms, and defamation of character are contrary to the spirit of Christ. His love is a sacrificial love (John 3:16). It is unconditional love (Rom. 5:8). His love is constant and self-sustaining (Jer. 31:3). His love provides for the best interests of the beloved, and He commands that we should love one another as He has loved us.
Whether that relationship is with a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or friend, or whether that relationship involves failure, hurt, sin, despair, or discouragement, the command remains the same: “love one another.” Bring those hurts to Jesus today, and let Him heal and restore your relationships.
