The Love Test

Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.

John 13:35 (NLT)

I have been blessed for many years to have good people in my life – people that I will count as life-long friends. Though many of them have moved away for various reasons (college being a big one), the memories of the times we shared together still bring a smile to my face. I have also been blessed to have some great teens that were my coworkers in mission. Yes, I call them coworkers, because even though I was their boss, we labored side-by-side for the glory of God. My student chaplain teams over the years have been diverse, crazy, and fun-loving. But, most importantly, they were on point with God. I have experienced great love from so many people, and I hope that I have shown great love to many other people.

The importance of loving one another must be paramount (the top priority) in our relationships with other human beings. There is no greater calling in our life (other than loving God) than to show and speak love into the lives of those God has placed in our lives. As Christians, when people view our lives, they should see acts of love and hear words of love.

So, here’s my challenge to you today, oh dear reader. Before you act, before you speak, take the love test. What’s the love test, you say? Great question. I’m glad you asked. It’s this: Love Others Very Eagerly. First, is what you are going to do or say loving? Yes, discipline or correction can be loving, if done for the right reasons and the right attitude. Will what you say or do help the person or hurt them? Will what you say or do be seen by others as loving or as criticism? In short, test what you are about to say, type, or do to make sure it is born out of love. The other pieces of the test are pretty straight forward. We are to love others above self. It’s not about us. It’s about them. And, we should do it eagerly. We should look forward to showing others love. We should be excited about it. We should be passionate about it. Loving others should energize us.

So, there you have it. Love people. As Jesus said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Every day, be an example of Jesus’s love for you and me. Be a loving example of what friendship looks like. Be a loving example of God’s Kingdom. Demonstrate love. It really is that simple.

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