The Mark

John 13:35 (ESV) “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

During World War I the Marines fought with such ferocity that the Germans started calling them Devils Dogs. There are other names are synonymous with US Marines. Leathernecks, Jarheads and Gyrenes are among these names. When folks think of Marines they generally think of a trained fighting man who is disciplined and tough. They picture one who stands tall and proud. They think of the dress blue uniform filled with combat ribbons and marksmanship badges. They think of the popular slogan used in Marine recruiting commercials, “The Few. The Proud. The Marines.”

When you think of think of a Christian, what comes to mind? You can ask several different people and get several different answers. Here are just a few that I have heard over the years. Stuck up. Bible thumper. Holy roller. Bigoted. Narrow-minded. Hypocrite. Self-righteous. I could go on and on but I think we all get the picture. Some of these labels are given to us by folks with no knowledge of what and who Christians really are. Unfortunately, some of these labels have been earned by Christians who have a faulty view of what it means to live a Christian life.
So what should be the “mark” of a Christian, a Believer, a Follower of Christ? Simply put, Jesus said it is our love for each other. In John 13:34 Jesus said “just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” He said it was this love that would show the world that we are His disciples.
Love is arguably the most important ingredient in the Christian’s life. Love draws together those in the church. Colossians 2:2 (ESV) that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love…. Love is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law, Galatians 5:14 (ESV) For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” We are to walk in love. We are to sacrifice for love. We are to “increase and abound in love towards one another and for all“. We are to provoke or stir up one another unto love.

Love is indeed the true “mark” of a Christian. It’s not always easy, in fact, it can be downright hard sometimes. People who commit horrible crimes, loved ones who irritate us and fellow church members who “fall into” ungodliness are all examples of times when it is difficult to love. Love is hard but it is not optional. It is our “mark”, and it is possible to live in love because He first loved us. He gave His all for us. He lovingly paid the price for our sin on the cross.

In this coming New Year, may it be our goal to live in love. May the “mark” of love be displayed through our lives in brilliant colors for all the world to see. May others know that we are Christians by our love. May other see and experience God’s love through interaction with God’s people. Amen!!