Read: John 13:31-35
When I was in college, I took an acting class where the instructor took us through an improvisational exercise. We had to sit facing another student who would say a word and within two seconds, we were to react with the first word that came to our mind. I didn’t like the exercise all that much. I highly value people who choose their words wisely, so this exercise seemed to be counter-productive. However, it was an excellent way to expose my own personal biases and depravity.
I also think this exercise can serve us in thinking about Jesus’ command to us from our passage this week. So let’s play a quick game. What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you read these names?
What about these names?
What about these names?
(My only agenda in choosing these names is familiarity).
Several weeks ago Larry referenced a quote from A.W. Tozer. He said that the most important thing about you is what comes to your mind when you think about God. Our passage this week turns the focus of the question by asking what comes to people’s minds when they think about you. Jesus tells his disciples that the world will know that they are His disciples by the way they love one another. In other words, the most telling characteristic of a disciple of Christ is their love. It is THE thing that we should be known for. It is the first thing that should come to other’s minds when they see your name.
Last Sunday we sang these words:
Each of us have exemplary people in our lives who have demonstrated Christ’s love to us. Most of them have no public notoriety; they are just moms, dads, brothers, sisters, neighbors, and friends who constantly put others before themselves and seek the good of others above their own. I often see myself dwarfed by their shadow with no hope of ever attaining such humility and compassion. The truth is that even they are far from perfect, so I wonder what hope there is for me.
But God’s not interested in comparing you to others. He’s interested in how your love is growing within the particular circumstances, trials, and temptations you face. That’s what makes your love stand out. When I watch you from my chair in the worship center, I know the loss that you’ve just suffered, the heart-breaking betrayal you have experienced the terminal news you have received, or the personal brokenness you are fighting because of sin. Then I see you stand and sing “It is Well with my soul.” I see you serve hungry people from our food pantry or teach the love of Christ to a class full of our crazy kids. This is the love of God displayed for all to see.
Love one another. Excel in loving one another all the more! This is not my command; it is straight from our Lord’s lips. Remember, the world is watching.
