On the night before Jesus was to be betrayed, he shares an important identifying trait that would reveal those who were truly in community and collaboration with him on mission. This quality, when present, would clearly display the presence of God at work. What was this profound marker? It was, and still is, love. Jesus shared, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” (John 13:35, ESV).
This love is not fickle, carnal or conditional as worldly displays of love can often be, rather, this love is affectionate, caring, kind and generous. It is the love God delivered to us through the cross of Christ, and it is the love displayed through us as we carry out our missional purpose and kingdom work. We are most like Jesus when the mature fruit of the Spirit is on display in our lives (see Galatians 5:22-23) and we love others, including enemies, well.
This love in action powerfully reveals the presence of God through a community that is truly Christian (like Christ) and is so appealing it is nearly impossible to resist. Love is the empowering presence of God that enables us to live out purpose and identity for kingdom impact. God’s love for us, flowing through us, connects our passions to his purpose and reminds us that we are part of something greater than ourselves. We most definitely have a part in God’s master plan. It is essential. It is eternal. It is good and it is God with us.
Remember, after God declared that humanity would be created in his image, imparting identity, he assured purpose and invited us on mission, “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (Genesis 1:29, ESV). Friend, be confident in this: you matter to God, you have part in his mission, and you are embraced by his love. Be blessed!
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Approved by an instructor of theology from the College of Theology on April 14, 2023.