Seven Marks of a DiscipleSample

Mark Six: A disciple loves others.

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

Love is not just “the icing on the cake” of being a follower of Jesus; it’s not an optional “add-on.” It’s not like air freshener you spray around to make the room smell better.

God, Himself is love (1 John 4:7,8). The gospel is about the love of God, a love He demonstrated by sending His one and only Son to die for the sins of the world (John 3:16). The God of all the universe is love.

As disciples of Jesus, it’s not enough to have a daily devotional, memorize a few verses, finish a Bible study, and show brotherly affection to one another. The kind of love God calls us to have toward one another is the same kind that Jesus showed us: unconditional, selfless love.

Jesus said, “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” (John 13:34). How did Jesus love us? He didn’t love when it was convenient or comfortable. He stepped out of heaven on a costly rescue mission; He went to the cross to bear the sins of the world in our place!

One test of an authentic relationship with God is how we love other people. One of the most powerful evidence of God’s presence in our lives is our love for others.

And Jesus also said, “love your enemies and do good to them” (Luke 6:35). Then we will truly be sons and daughters of God Most High. When others mistreat us in word or deed, when life squeezes us like a sponge, what comes out? What comes out of us will be what fills us. May it be the love of Jesus that comes out and draws a needy world to Himself! A disciple loves others!