“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. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”” (John 13:34–35 ESV)
When the world looks at the church, what do they think? Are they over come with the amazing grace filled love that they encounter? Are they taken back by the irrational joy and love they are met with in all of the reactions they have with the church? The world when they look at the church are just drawn to the supernatural, selfless love that pours out of each member of the Christian church, because there is nothing that compares to this love that flows from God’s throne in the non Christian world…
Yes there are times that this happens. That God’s love is the one thing that people see when they see the church. The disciples are out of the way and God’s love shines through and it is so compelling and it draws people in…
But usually when we hear about the church from the world, it is more about schisms, moral failures of leaders and members, political anger, power plays, and all the rest that we have heard. The church is seen as being hypocritical, because it seems like the church wants to judge everyone by a code they themselves are not willing to keep.
But we can not lose heart today. Jesus gave the disciples then a new commandment, and today he is still working it out through us. During this season of Lent we need to empty ourselves and allow God to have control. We need to walk the path set before us with humility, we need to walk that path in service to others, and in love for the other, because that is how they will know we are His disciples, by our love!
Lord make me an uncluttered channel of your divine grace, mercy and love. Mold me into the person you created me to be, and guide me to be an instrument for your peace!
aSacredRebel 