The Badge of a Disciple: Known by Love

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

What’s the Mark of a True Christian?
Think about the symbols that define different groups—a sports team’s jersey, a school’s logo, or even a superhero’s emblem. These badges tell the world who they are. But what about Christians? What is our defining mark? Jesus made it clear: It’s love. Not our Bible knowledge, church attendance, or moral perfection – just love. The way we treat others is the world’s window into our faith. So, how do we make sure our love is visible?

What Does Love Look Like?
Love isn’t just something we say – it’s something we do. Paul gives us a blueprint in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: love is patient, kind, not envious, not proud. It protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres.

Real love shows up in action:
– A friend standing up for another in a tough situation.
– A sibling forgiving even when it’s hard.
– Choosing kindness when it’s easier to be rude.

Challenge: What’s one practical way you can show love this week? Maybe it’s reaching out to a lonely classmate or helping at home without being asked.

Loving When It’s Hard
Let’s be real – loving people isn’t always easy. Personalities clash. People hurt us. But Jesus doesn’t just ask us to love when it’s convenient; He calls us to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Think about how even close-knit teams or friend groups struggle with unity. Love is tested in difficult moments, but choosing love anyway reflects Jesus.

How can we love when it’s hard?
– Forgive even when someone doesn’t deserve it.
– Respond with kindness instead of anger.
– Help someone you don’t naturally get along with.

Why Love Matters
“If someone only saw your actions, would they know you follow Jesus?” That’s a tough but necessary question. Love is what sets us apart – it shines like a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:16). When we love, we reflect Jesus, and people start to ask, “Why are they different?”

Love opens doors to the Gospel. It’s often through acts of kindness and grace that conversations about faith begin. People may not listen to a sermon, but they’ll notice when you love differently.

A Call to Love: Start Small
Love doesn’t have to be grand – it starts with small, everyday choices:
– At school: Sit with someone who’s alone at lunch.
– At home: Help a sibling without being asked.
– Online: Post something uplifting instead of negative.

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you love like Jesus, even when it’s difficult.

Final Thought: The World is Watching

The way we love is how the world knows we belong to Jesus. It’s not always easy, but with God’s help, we can love in a way that truly makes a difference. So, who can you show love to this week? How will you make an impact by loving like Jesus?