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The one distinguishing characteristic of truly Christian people, according to Jesus of Nazareth, is that his followers love one another!
Now most people would hear that and say 'Pity they didn't show it more'. True, but it is more than a pity- it is a tragedy. Especially when history is littered,stained and polluted by the deeds of those claiming, in the name of their god, that their violence, terrorism and obscenities, were necessary even towards their God's good ends. Just how does Christian love show itself? Well, how long have we got? - only this page?
It shows in the way we speak of God and others.
It shows in the priority we give to prayer and worship.
It shows in the selfless devotion of those followers who give themselves to caring for those in need.
It shows in arousing society to their responsibility towards the needy.Not only bringing an ambulance and medical aid to the victims of a crash, but also in preventing the crashes by effective legislation controlling potential crash areas.
Christian love shows itself by being just and fair when judging anything or anyone.
Christian love shows itself when, as the child said, 'I let my sister have the largest piece of pie which I really wanted myself'.
Christian love holds its tongue when gossip or grumbling is the game being played in company.
Christian love is unshockable and unstoppable. It goes on loving, not only when it's rejected and offended, but even when it's mocked, spat on and crucified.
Christian love is not something you feel. It's something you do.Yet it's not just something you do - it's what becomes you when you do: that is, when you walk closely with Jesus of Nazareth.It becomes what you are. Jesus says:
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.Greater love has no-one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command." John 15: 12-14
Lord, help me to practice what you both preach and practise.
Now read John Chapter 15.
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