Written by Sis. Donna Thomas-Morris
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” 1 John 4: 7-8
Love is such an important thing to have as a follower of Christ. Jesus stated that there is one way people will know whether we belong to him or not, and that is our love for one another. Love is the trademark, the distinguishing sign or characteristic, of a Christian. It is what sets us apart from the rest of the world.
Before you buy something, do you read labels or look for certain trademarks (brands names) that have a reputation for being good? As a Christian, people should be able to do the same thing with us because we are disciples of Christ. They should be able to look at us and say: “This is a person of quality.” People should be able to identify us not only by our talk, but also by the way we walk.
The people of this world are looking for something to believe in, something authentic, something tangible, they are searching for love and God is love. Those of us who are Christians need to show them Jesus. We do this not by only wearing Christian jewelry or putting bumper stickers with Christian messages on our cars, but by walking in love and demonstrating that love to others.
Unfortunately, many people have gone to church looking for God and instead have been met with only the rules and regulations of religion, and not even so much as a friendly smile. They left without encountering the love of God from his servants. Many people are hungry for God, and needs us to be his ambassador, representing him in every way, starting with his trademark characteristic which is “LOVE.”
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’ stead, be ye reconciled to God.” - 2 Corinthians 5: 20
Paul reminds us that we are God’s representative here on earth, representing truth and light in a world of darkness. I just want to remind you that it is important to display the character of love to everyone that you meet so that they can see your light and get to know him as well.
The ultimate example of love is found in John 3:16:
“For God so love the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believed in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
God bless you all!