KINGDOM PATHWAYS DAY THIRTY: Scripture Reading: John 13:20-38 Focus Verse: John 13:35 The One True Indicator Pay careful attention to the words of today’s focus verse! Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another” (KJV). He did not say “by these things” but rather by “this one thing.” And then note that He said that this one thing will be a sign for “all men” to see. While it may be that the world can see our flaws and failures, they should always see that we choose to love one another in spite of our many flaws and failures. Our love for one another is not just an indicator for those who believe. It is an indicator of who we are, and Whose we are, to every person in the world. When we are disappointed by the actions of another believer, or when we have definite and distinct differences of opinion, we should always remember that the whole world is watching how we choose to react to those disappointments and differences. The world has no right, or reason, to expect us to be perfect, but it does have the right to expect us to love one another in spite of our imperfect state. When our attitudes or actions toward one another are motivated by anything less than love, we create situations where the message of Christ and the church may be hindered. Prayer Emphasis: •Note the word “if” in our focus verse and realize that it is entirely possible for believers to be hindered by acts and attitudes that do not express the kind of love that Jesus had in mind. Be intentional in your efforts to avoid any words or deeds that do not fulfill this great command.
Posted on: Tue, 20 May 2014 11:04:04 +0000