Evidence Which Proves the Gospel

John 13:35 - By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for on another.

Those who know anything about Christianity probably understand that love is a prominent element of the Gospel. God's love for the world is a primary cause for the coming of Christ and for His self-sacrifice on the cross. Love for God is a major fruit of Christ's grace in the hearts of those whom He saves. Deliverance from a dominating love for the life-style and value system of the world is another distinguishing mark of Christ's grace. Christians are no longer controlled by a love of material wealth or sensual pleasure or personal popularity. Christ has turned their hearts toward a consuming love for Himself and for all the blessed realities belonging to His kingdom. Part of this spiritual revolution has to do with the connection which Christ creates between those who believe in Him. In spite of perhaps being very different from each other in their earthly identities, Christ enables true believers to love one another. We are speaking now of a love that is very different from that natural affection which is found between members of the same family or between friends. This love creates an attachment which makes people who have little in common except for Christ willing to abandon their prejudices and inclinations to self-pleasing in order to obey the Word of God in their relations together.

1 John 5:2 - By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments.

Loving the children of God means treating them as God's commandments require that we treat them, not as our instincts or past habits may incline us to treat them. Among other things this results in refusing to be offended by their weaknesses and faults, but rather bearing with them in love and patience. It means casting off the accepted practice of criticizing people behind their backs, but instead approaching them tenderly and speaking honestly about the issues which concern us. It means being committed to one another in such away as bear each other's burdens, to weep with one another and to rejoice with one another.

The primary place where this love is practiced and displayed is the church. Christian churches are to be communities of God-like love. Communities where believers sacrifice for each other and suffer long with each other and correct each other and encourage each other and hang together for their whole lives refusing to be driven apart. Christian churches ought to be places where brethren of different races, nationalities, social connections, incomes, levels of education, ages, and earthly interests are found worshipping God and laboring for His kingdom. Such churches are living proof of the power of Christ to transform hearts and lives. It is the responsibility of every believer to strive to make his or her church that kind of loving community. The testimony of Christ and the Gospel demands it. Moreover, Christ Himself will enable us to be that kind of people if we are truly His people.