John 13:34-35
“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
We have no shortage of controversies in this world. We are divided on so many issues…and the chasm is growing wider by the minute, it seems. I read some perspectives on one such topic yesterday and found myself heartsick. The question I kept asking myself was, “How do we tell these people that Jesus loves all of us…and that we love all people…and then exclude and judge them in this manner?”
How can we claim to love Jesus and follow His commands, then treat certain people or groups like they are unwelcome or “different” because of their skin color, nationality or ethnic background, sexual orientation, socio-economic bracket, level of education, or anything else for which we decide to discriminate? What are people to think of our “discipleship” when we practice serving and emulating Jesus in the bubble of “everyone must look, think and act just like I do”? Too many of us are engaged in what I call “Country Club Religion.” Some are in the “club.” Others are ineligible for “membership” – not because they don’t love Jesus and desire to serve as His disciples – but because certain “members” have decided that they are not “entitled” or “worthy” to serve for some reason.
Hear this…none of us is “entitled” or “worthy” to serve Jesus. But all are welcome. And if we don’t start loving one another – all others – we just as well step aside. Jesus clearly told us that we will be recognized as His disciples by how we love others. This is how we serve Him and demonstrate our faithful obedience. Where are you missing the mark? Who are you still judging? Where have you decided that your interpretation of Christian discipleship is superior to that of others? If we try to exclude or inhibit a single person from serving as Christ’s disciple, we have failed in our own submission and witness.
The thought of Jesus hanging on that cross for me is one that rips at my heart and humbles me to my core. The assurance that Christ did this for every single person and offers each of us the same free gift of His love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, healing, protection – and the guarantee of Eternal Life in His presence – tells me all I need to know about how I must react and respond toward others. In the same way that Jesus loves you, love one another. This is our mission and our ministry. This is all that Jesus asks of us. It seems like an incredibly generous offer to me. Alleluia!
©2022 Debbie Robus
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