Distinguishing

“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 8:46).

Holy Family of the Streets (Kelly Latimore)

I have been thinking about what the difference is between me and other people.  In other words, I have been thinking about what the difference is between Christians and non-Christians.  What is our distinguishing feature – so to speak…

In the Gospel we are told, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35).  In other words, people will identify Christians by their love for others.

Saint Paul the Apostle said the same thing in a different way, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

And I have been reflecting on what it really means to be identified by our love.  After all, love has existed since the beginning of humankind in the world.  People have had some capacity to care for each other since the beginning of caring.  While modern marriage is largely based on the premise that two people will form an attachment base don romantic love for one another and therefore consent to live their lives together, this is a relatively new concept.  Historically marriage was designed to secure the safety of women and children.  It was designed (among the upper classes) to facilitate alliances and the movement of wealth and power among families.  But I think with this modern interpretation of love we have forgotten what Christian love is. 

Christian love is something deeper and more serious…

“But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:44).

Christian love is the forgiveness that God asks us to pray for in the words of Christ given to us in the Our Father…  “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12).

This willingness to forgive – and to forgive any offence – is the mark of Christian love.  This is how they shall know that we are Christians.  This is my distinguishing feature – so to speak…

This means that I cannot be attached to wealth or anything of this world.  My reputation should mean nothing to me – I do not own it.  My health also should mean nothing to me – it is given by God at His whim and for His purposes.  My happiness should mean nothing – I am not promised happiness in this world, but the Cross.

The distinguishing mark of a Christian like me should be love and only love.  Love of God – in doing His Holy Will and love of my neighbour – friend and enemy alike…  “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 8:46).

This love distinguishes me…  This love!

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.