Scripture: John 13:34–35 (CSB)
“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Love One Another
Recently, I got a text from another mom after a school talent show. One of my kids had decided to sing. He walked on stage, the music started… and he froze. They restarted the track. Nothing. Then, out of nowhere, his sister ran up, grabbed the mic, and started singing. He caught on, took the mic back, and she quietly slipped offstage.
When the mom told me, I thought, “That’s what every parent hopes for their kids.” It’s also what God hopes for His kids. That kind of love-in-action support. That’s what Jesus meant in John 13 when He said the world would know we’re His disciples by the way we love each other.
So what does that kind of love look like? It’s dropping off dinner when someone’s recovering or overwhelmed. It’s stepping up to serve when you see a need. It’s calling or writing when God puts someone on your heart. It’s forgiving, even if it still stings. It’s doing good, and expecting nothing in return. These things matter to God, and to those watching from the outside.
When we love each other well in the church, it’s not just for us. It’s the training ground for the mission. Loving each other builds trust, unity, and eventually, bridges to people outside the church who need to see a different way to live. When love inside the church looks different, real, the world can’t help but notice.
Prayer:
God, help me not just talk about love, help me live it. Give me eyes to see the needs around me and courage to respond. Show me how to love my church family in a way that brings You joy and draws others in. Grow in me the kind of love that doesn’t quit or waiver. And let the world see that I am your disciple by the way that I love. Amen.
This devotion was first written as part of the 40th Anniversary Celebration at Northeast Bible Church. I had the privilege of joining others in our church family in creating a collection of reflections for that milestone season. What you’ll read here is the piece I contributed, shared again so it can continue pointing hearts back to Christ beyond that celebration. If you are interested in reading the rest of that collaborative devotional, you can find it here.
You can read more reflections like this on my Devotions page, where each post is written to encourage you with Scripture and practical faith for everyday life.
