Why Do Christians Say That?

If you did a man-on-the-street poll and asked, “How would you define a Christian?”, what do you suppose they’d say? What might church-goers say? Is it their denomination, doctrine, or some standard of Christian conduct?

Is it a set of beliefs or behaviors? What defines those who follow Jesus and call themselves “Chrisitan”? What word would be used most?

Here’s where it might get a bit uncomfortable: How would those closest to you define your Christianity?

Someone asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment? His answer in Mark 12:28-31 boiled down the law into two key characteristics: Love God, love neighbor. Love isn’t so much a feeling as it is a commitment.

But Jesus was answering a lawyer about the law. So, what does He say defines a Christian? It challenges me deeply.

On the night of the Lord’s Supper, He made a statement that calls every true believer to an extraordinary commitment.

Of all the things Jesus could have chosen to define what a Christ-follower is, He didn’t point back to the greatest commandment. He took it a step further and gave us a new commandment in John 13:34-35.

Read those words carefully, He’s talking to us. We are to love as Christ loves.

Believers are to be lovers of God, and each other. That’s not always easy and may seem impossible!

It’s been said, Christians make the most extraordinary claims but live such ordinary lives. Ouch. But maybe it’s true.

There was a “disciple whom Jesus loved” who laid His head on Jesus’ breast. That’s amazing for many reasons. Most men don’t do that, right!? Genuine and holy affection is beautiful when given and received. It’s the essence of genuine fellowship.

Think about it. The enemy of true love is whatever threatens true righteousness. The enemy of unbiblical love is whatever threatens one’s love for self or an idolatrous self-concept.

But when we’re committed to the new commandment, to Christ-like love, whatever we think, say, and do, is for the highest, purest good of another.

It also puts God’s love on full display. It’s extraordinary, isn’t it. Love like this leaves a lasting impression.

Sixty years after that beautiful scene at the Lord’s Supper, 1 John 3:14-18 tells us how the disciple whom Jesus loved would answer the person-in-the-pew poll.

Love goes all in to give, not get! It seeks to be good, not look good and aims for one another’s highest good. And when yielded to the Holy Spirit, it’s how you and I love.

Our love grows out of and evidences our union with Jesus and continual practice of biblical love (John 15:5-17). It’s what Jesus says identifies a Christian in word and deed.

If the believers around you took that person-in-the-pew poll would their answer agree with Jesus? What about you? Maybe it’s time to [re]commit to the new commandment. It’s how we give Christianity a good name.

I’ve added seven additional thoughts about biblical love in the GO DEEPER section and access to some free Bible study helps in the GOOD READS section below. Let me know your thoughts... I answer every email!

Good Reads & Ministries I Enjoy

1. A Free Guide to Help You Read Your Bible Better. This short and easy read has lots of good suggestions to help you understand and get more out off your Bible reading:

2. Covered In His Dust will take you into deeper chapter dives that open up the scriptures book by book. This is written in a refreshingly easy to understand format. Check it out, It’s free:

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