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In John 13:34-35, we read these words. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Among the many “radical” teachings of Jesus, this verse would have to be put in that category. The world that the disciples lived in was similar to our world in many ways. One of the most obvious examples is in the way that people treated one another. Yes, there has been massive change over the course of 2000 years, but human nature is still what it was back then as the vast majority of people still live without love for their fellow man. The reason for this is simple. Only when a heart has been changed by the power of the gospel can we truly love another person. A life lived without Jesus is a life lived without love. Sadly, this is the norm in our world. In light of this truth, Jesus knew what a powerful witness it would be for a group of people to actually “love” one another. When the world watched these crazy people who truly loved and cared for one another, they would know that something was different about them. “This is how all men will know that you are my disciples” – not because of how you dress or where you work or the language you speak, but “if you love one another.” It is my hope and prayer that Hope Church will be a place where people radically love one another in the name of Jesus our Lord. |