Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Notice what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say people will know we are Christians by our politics. It doesn’t say people will know we are followers of Jesus by our ideology. It doesn’t say others will know we are disciples of Christ by our agenda. It says others will know that we are followers of Jesus because of our love.
Our society is deeply divided. The national dialog on social media and other platforms is a race to the bottom. Jesus calls you and me to be different. We need to pray daily that God’s love will fill our hearts and flow from our hearts to others. May we be known as compassionate followers of Jesus Christ.
Ask Jesus to help you be more compassionate today. And then pray the same thing tomorrow. I truly believe that even the most complicated matters in our nation and communities and families can be clarified by compassion. How can you be more compassionate to your spouse, family, people you work with, extended family, and more?
The mark of a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus is love. Would you pray with me today “Lord, help us get to the heart of the matter which is the matter of our heart. Help us truly love others. May compassion be our goal in all relationships. May Your love flow through us toward others. Help us live the life of love that You showed us and taught us. May we represent You well and point others to You by living a life of love. Amen.”