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Posted on April 28, 2004 ...

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 NIV

I am an avid fan of the television show Law and Order. I am especially intrigued by the courtroom drama. Each side presents evidence and testimonies in such a way to compel the jury or judge toward a particular conclusion. The role of the jury and/or judge is to reach a verdict based upon the evidence they see and hear.

As followers of Jesus, we are making a presentation to the world around us. People will conclude some things about churches and about followers of Christ based upon what they see and hear in our lives. Jesus noted that the strongest evidence we can present that will lead people to conclude that we are followers of Him is this: Love one another.

Notice that Jesus did NOT say, By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you agree with one another. The identifying mark of Christianity is NOT that we all have the same opinion. THE identifying mark of Christianity is that we treat one another in a loving way. In fact, GREAT LOVE is expressed when it is extended even to people with whom we disagree. During His Sermon on the Mount Jesus calls us to this high standard:

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you….If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? Luke 5:44, 46 NIV

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of traveling to the Tennessee State Capital to pray the opening prayer before the State Senate. Our own Senator Jeff Miller graciously introduced me as the pastor of the church who’s motto is Where Love Is Alive. Those words appear on every bulletin, letterhead, and business card our church distributes. This is what we want people to believe about our congregation. But their final judgment about us will be based upon what they see for themselves. Jesus calls us to demonstrate mutual love and thereby show the world that we are His followers. North Cleveland Baptist Church has been a place Where Love Is Alive. Keep up the good work.