John 13:35

"By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35 (NASB)

Let’s look at the context of the verse first and answer a few key questions.

Who wrote it? John, an apostle

When was it written? Toward the end of his life, before he was sent to Patmos (between AD 85 and 90)

To whom was it written? Gentile congregations

For what purpose?  To reassure Christians in their faith and counter false teachings.

John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”

How we love one another matters.

I have this “Mom” plaque with an ugly candle holder that matches nothing in my house that my youngest gave me for Christmas several years ago.  He bought them at the school Santa Shop, along with a silver necklace that spells out the word “Mom”. He was so proud of his purchases...and they were so very thoughtful. He took the time to actually pick out gifts for each one of us and I was surprised at how much thought he put into each one, as he explained them to us Christmas morning.

Kids are so great at displaying love.  I couldn’t help but think of the love that went into picking out each gift for us that Christmas...’cause that’s just my son’s personality. It mattered what he picked out and purchased. He could have easily just grabbed something, but he was intentional and love was in each gift.
They were small trinkets in comparison to other things wrapped on Christmas morning, but they are special to me to this day.

A lot of times we want to do big things and be noticed for everything we do, but it’s the small things that matter the most to a hurting and lost person searching for peace. It’s the thoughtfulness that counts. Jesus didn’t go to the cross without intention. He went with a thoughtful consideration for the souls of mankind.  

Shouldn’t we have that same thoughtfulness?
As those little trinkets sit proudly on my desk, they now serve as a reminder of how thoughtful we should be about loving God and loving others. I want to leave a sweet aroma in the room when I leave, like that little candle...that tells someone they’ve seen the heart Jesus. They don’t take up a lot of room in corner of the desk, but they take up a lot of room in my heart, because of who gave them to me.
God has given you so much more.
When the Holy Spirit dwells within you because of what Jesus did on the cross, you can’t help but display His presence and love to those around you!  It’s how the disciples were recognized as followers of Christ and it’s how we are recognized, too.

How we love one another matters.

It’s the little stuff, y’all. Let’s truly love like Jesus. It’s how people see Him…through us.  We may not always have it together…we may feel small and insignificant…maybe like an ugly little candle holder.  But remember, with The Light inside, it’s absolutely beautiful to a lost and dark world.

Written by: Ashlee Canipe from Paint It Up

Ashlee is not only a super-talented writer, but an artist as well. She sells her artwork on her website. I love supporting other small businesses!!