LOVE IN ACTION
Dani Bucholtz
Today's Scripture: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35, ESV
Theme: Loving others identifies us as disciples of Jesus.
WHAT PEOPLE NOTICE
When people think about Christians, what comes to mind first? Is it our church attendance, our Bible knowledge, or our ability to quote Scripture? While those things are important, Jesus gave a different answer.
In John 13, Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure. He knew they would face challenges, opposition, and uncertainty. Yet He did not tell them that people would recognize His followers by their accomplishments or influence. Instead, He said they would be known by their love.
On the night before He went to the cross, Jesus gathered with His disciples. He took a towel, knelt, and washed their feet (a task normally reserved for a servant, not a teacher). Then He told them, "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, ESV).
That statement challenges me. Loving people is easy when they are kind, agreeable, and appreciative. It becomes much harder when people disappoint or hurt us. Yet Jesus did not place conditions on His command to love.
LOVE IS A CHOICE
Not long ago, I found myself frustrated with someone who handled a situation very differently than I would have. I replayed the conversation in my mind and felt justified in my irritation. The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that I was right.
Then God reminded me of our verse for today. Jesus did not say people would know His disciples because they were right. He said they would know us by our love.
Sometimes love means extending grace when we would rather hold a grudge. Sometimes it means listening instead of arguing. Sometimes it means praying for someone when we would rather avoid them. Love is not always a feeling; often it is a choice we make because Christ first loved us.
REFLECTING JESUS
The world is filled with division, criticism, and conflict. As followers of Jesus, we have an opportunity to stand apart. When we respond with patience, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, we reflect the character of Christ.
People may forget what we say, but they often remember how we treated them. Our love becomes a testimony to the One we follow.
Make It Personal: Think about someone who is difficult for you to love right now. How might God be calling you to show grace, patience, or kindness to that person? Ask Him to show you one specific way to love that person this week through your words, your time, or an act of service. Let your heart reflect His love for them.
Pray: Lord, thank You for loving me...even when I fall short. Help me to love others in a way that reflects Your heart. Show me where I need to extend grace, forgiveness, and compassion. May my words and actions point others to You. In Jesus' Name, amen.
Read: John 13:31-35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7; 1 John 4:7-12
Weekly Memory Verse: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35, ESV