Jesus Standing Among a Ring of Joined HandsBible World
13:35John 13:35
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
By this all people recognize followers of Christ, when they see genuine love among them for one another. That love is measured not by love for self but by His own love for them, a holy, unselfish and steadfast love shown in laying down His life for sinful humanity. It is the distinguishing proof of discipleship, revealing that Christ dwells within, that God's character is restored, and that God sent His Son to save sinners. It comes only from living union with Christ through the Spirit dwelling in the heart, and must be planted by God, cultivated and lived out rather than left to grow on its own. In daily life it appears in tender, patient, forgiving words and deeds, binds believers into one heart and family, and without it all profession, gifts and labor are worthless.
Setting and Wording
Mutual love among believers is the sign by which all people recognize followers of Christ, continuing the command to love one another as he loved them. That love binds hearts together and unites them to the Son of God and to God, and it is the most convincing evidence to the world of his power. It follows his example shown in his offering for the sins of the world, calling disciples to work for the salvation of men, women and children as people purchased by his blood, with especially tender love for fellow believers, and it is fruit to be given back to God.
The words were given to the disciples in the upper chamber shortly before the crucifixion, when departure, trial, humiliation and death were near at hand. He was not thinking of himself but sought to comfort them as little children who were so soon to be severely tempted and tried. It is a great lesson all need to learn.
The command is called new because the standard of loving as he loved was about to be fulfilled in his offering for the sins of the world. He had not yet given the crowning evidence of his love in the sacrifice of his life on the cross, and when that offering was made the gift would be complete. In the light of that sacrifice the command has a new meaning, and his life and death shape how followers treat one another. The lessons about this love are just as new in practice now as they were to the disciples before his death and resurrection.
The command was not new in principle, since it had already been given in the Old Testament, but it was new to the disciples because it differed so greatly from the instruction of the Jewish teachers. It was called new because it was always to be new in practice, having been covered up by traditions and buried out of sight and not put into practice. This love calls believers to draw together, cherish one another, stop criticizing one another, and keep the harmony that fellowship with Christ brings between believers for the strengthening of the church.
The disciples did not then fully understand what loving as he loved meant. They understood the depth more fully after witnessing his suffering in the garden and judgment hall, his betrayal, trial, crucifixion and death, and after seeing him raised and ascended and proclaimed as the resurrection and the life. Seeing its breadth and depth was to bind them together, prepare them to receive the Spirit, and strengthen their witness to their Leader's divinity.
All people means families, neighbors, those who do not believe the truth, unbelievers around, and the world, who know discipleship by visible love and its fruits. Those fruits are loving, honoring and glorifying God, exemplifying the beauty of holiness and letting the loveliness of truth shine forth in life and practice, representing God's character in marked contrast to Satan's character. By this plain mark he does not leave his church as a strange undenominated power in the world but makes it God's denominated people, with himself abiding with his believing people, and it marks the chosen and faithful, the loyal and true who bear heaven's credentials.
Nature of Required Love
The love required is patterned on Christ's own love for His disciples and measured by as I have loved you, which sets a higher standard than loving one's neighbor as oneself. It is fruit to be given back to God, essential to Christian perfection so that activity and much work cannot make up for its absence, and a church that lacks it faces removal of its candlestick. Kept by every child of God, this love enables unity among believers with diverse gifts, making their work a complete whole. Its depth was grasped only after His suffering and death were witnessed and He was seen raised and ascended.
That love is holy, heavenly, unselfish and steadfast. It is pure and comes from centering the affections on Jesus as first, last and best, rather than sentimental attachment that draws people away from Christ and makes one another the focus. It is not based on praise, affection or others' appreciation, but on their being people for whom Christ died and whom He purchased with His blood at the sacrifice of His life. It distinguishes Christians from worldlings as Christlikeness whose pure influence cleanses the heart from selfishness, and it comes from renewal after the Spirit of Christ joining love to God with love to brethren. Every heart where Christ abides and is renewed by the Spirit loves God and brother in large measure, while where there is no love of Jesus there is absence of His Spirit and no refreshing. Because of the high estimate placed on human beings, this love treats them carefully with forbearance and patience, refusing to wound and bruise hearts, and even when evil must be reproved plainly and faithfully it restores the erring in meekness after the gospel plan by one who is spiritual himself.
Its full measure was shown in suffering in the garden and judgment hall and in self-sacrifice and death on the cross for guilty, lost and sinful humanity, even to laying down life for friends. That self-sacrifice gives the command a new meaning and shows how disciples are to love one another. It calls them to live in self-denial and humility and to sacrifice for the truth and for others. Believers are to consider His love and help spread knowledge of it, for because each believer can influence another, their love can carry God's grace to others, bringing a heavenly influence where harmful influences have hindered God's work and dishonored His name.
It is practical love in word and deed, shown in daily association, and is more than merely tolerating one another. Sharing in the divine nature brings sympathy with Christ and leads to loving treatment of others, showing that Christ is formed within. It reflects Jesus' own enduring, tender love and is shown in spirit, words and deeds through tenderness, thoughtfulness, self-denying and unselfish kindness, sympathy, affection, courtesy, politeness, deference, respect, esteem, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, confidence, tender regard and cheerful service, putting the gospel into action and binding believers together in unity. An abiding Christ enables believers to overcome hurt feelings and respond with patience and affection. Hardness, coldness, criticism and dissension contradict this mark and give room for division, and lack of love among believers, especially ministers, conflicts with Christ's command, while confession, forgiveness and renewed love bring spiritual blessing.
It is love without parallel that labors for the salvation of men, women and children, recognizing them as people purchased by His blood and doing all in human power for their salvation through His offering for the sins of the world. It extends to brethren who disagree or do not praise, and to every person whether friend or foe, acquaintance or stranger, including forgiveness, tender sympathy, kind words and pleasant looks. Those enlightened by God's Spirit and converted through the truth owe this love to others, and it blesses both receiver and giver and grows as it is shared. Within this breadth there is an especially tender love for all of the same faith.
Public Mark of Discipleship
Mutual love modeled on Christ's own love is the distinguishing badge, credential and proof by which all people recognize His disciples. Those who cherish it carry the credentials that God sent His Son into the world to save sinners, and convince the world that they are Bible Christians who keep God's commandments. It shows that Christ is formed within, that His Spirit pervading the heart develops Christlike traits and imparts His attributes, that believers have been with Christ, and that they belong to God's family. The command lays special obligation on laborers in word and doctrine entrusted as faithful stewards watching for souls, and must be obeyed to the letter in unselfish love manifested in speech and spirit; where it is not manifested claimants to be God's children lie against the truth, and judging, despising, condemning, selfishness, strife, division and stubborn independence break the bond of unity and fellowship with Christ and the Father. Unless faith works by love and purifies the soul it is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal, and those without love and unity have no reason to count themselves disciples except in name.
Unselfish love among Christians bears the most convincing evidence to the world of Christ's power to transform character, a testimony that unbelievers cannot gainsay, refute or resist. It defeats Satan's designs, builds Christ's kingdom, and brings peace and prosperity which are enjoyed only when meekness and love are actively practiced. The closer believers resemble Christ in character the greater their love for those for whom He died, and their unity in love carries God's grace and heavenly influence where harmful influences have hindered His work and dishonored His name. Consideration of His death for sinful humanity makes the command new and moves believers to help spread knowledge of it, since each can influence another; lived unity lifts to a higher standard, gives powerful support to the truth, helps convince the world that Christianity is genuine, magnifies a Saviour who justifies by His righteousness, and draws others to the truth and to glorify the Father.
Without this first love for one another, profession, Sabbath observance, great gifts, miracles, generosity, martyrdom, labor, patience, zeal, knowledge, discernment and service are unacceptable to God and worthless, do not prove obedience or conversion, and do not receive His grace to share with others. The church addressed in Revelation had lost this first love despite commendable work, and its otherwise good works were unacceptable; without revealing Christ's commanded love the light does not shine to the world. Jealousy, backbiting, criticism, suspicion, accusation, condemnation, worldly coldness, separation, self-pleasing, disunion and hatred contradict the identifying mark, weaken the church's influence, dishonor God's cause, misrepresent and reproach Christ's name, and keep people from being convinced of the truth. Many who profess faith fail this test of Christian love patterned after Christ's love.
This love is not based on force or self-interest but reflects God's character and the influence of His Spirit. Where it binds people together in perfect harmony and united fellowship it shows God's image being restored in humanity, a new principle of life implanted, and divine power able to resist evil and subdue the selfishness of the natural heart. By partaking of the divine nature through Christ's connection of humanity with divinity, believers perfect the love of God in their own hearts, reveal His attributes and the truth of God to the world, and by cords of love draw others into sacred union with Christ. Their Christlike character and conduct thus show that Christ's life is in them.
Source and Growth in Love
The love by which all people recognize disciples comes from living connection and union with Christ the root, from Christ dwelling in the heart by faith through the Holy Spirit, and from close fellowship with God. Where Christ abides the heart loves God and brother in large measure, and that love carries His fragrance and appears in daily tenderness, sweetness and grace rather than sharp or cutting words. It grows from unity with Him and is shaped by His example, showing itself in unity, fellowship, self-denial, and Christlike words and actions by which believers represent Christ and show they belong to God's family. When the command is obeyed envy, suspicion, evil thinking and evil speech are banished, and followers live as a united brotherhood working with Him to save humanity. Accepting Him means taking on the commitment to learn in His school, so that love flows from the heart in unselfish seeking of others' good with self-denial and sacrifice in family, neighborhood and church. That practical daily love is the fruit of living connection and the sure badge of discipleship, for profession alone does not prove it, and clinging to one's own opinions, impressions and feelings instead of sacrificing them leads to self-deception and unchristlike judgments of neighbors.
Christ's Spirit pervading the heart develops Christlike traits of character, imparts His own attributes, and melts and subdues the heart to do His works, and the promise of the Holy Spirit is given so that this result may be produced. This love is the credential by which all know the disciples and know that God sent His Son to save sinners, laid especially on laborers in word and doctrine as faithful stewards watching for souls, to be obeyed to the letter in unselfish love for one another. Where that love is not manifested by those claiming to be God's children they lie against the truth, and unless they cherish faith that works by love and purifies the soul their faith is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. No one can love Christ without increasing love for those for whom He died, expressed in unselfish thoughts and actions that bind heart to heart and soul to soul, and even one who understands Scripture and preaches cannot represent Him without it but misrepresents and falsifies Him. Churches are very deficient in this grace, and had they loved as He loved there would now be a large army in their ranks, while holding the theory of truth destitute of love is Satan's masterpiece, working through disunion over small then greater matters until love for brethren is gone and professed love for Christ is a farce like that of the Pharisees, showing the person does not know Christ and is not molded by His Spirit. Because He gave Himself, followers are required to give themselves with talents of means and ability in self-sacrifice and self-denial, heeding the injunction to sell and give alms and provide unfailing heavenly treasure, for a church experience without loving as He loved is imperfect.
This love does not grow naturally in the human heart but must be planted by God through His Spirit and then carefully cultivated in practice, cherished, given room to grow, and lived out rather than merely heard. It follows His self-giving example and calls His followers away from zeal for exposing disagreements and from accusing and condemning others toward practicing His example in the merciful spirit He showed the guilty woman. It is undermined by talk about others' failings, so room must be given for it to grow instead. It goes beyond loving neighbor as oneself and is essential to Christian perfection, so that activity and much work cannot make up for its absence, and a church lacking it faces removal of its candlestick. The command must be kept by every child of God, and this love enables unity among believers with diverse gifts, making their work a complete whole.
Sin expelled God's love from the heart, so He now demands this Christlike love without parallel with childlike simplicity, spoken to disciples as little children. Sensing Christ's love softens and subdues the spirit, brings out of self into doing the Word as written, with the Holy Spirit working every power, bringing obedience. This religion is not tame but up and doing, militant and aggressive upon self and all unlike Christ, running life's race to obtain the crown and be victorious. Those who lead institutions and every church must be changed in heart and character, yoked with Christ to learn His meekness and lowliness, with the heart unlocked so His love takes possession and flows out in pure, rich currents of tenderness, courtesy and kindly deeds, for without speedy reformation and obedience they lose all the attributes He came to give. Drawing into exclusive lines and closing the heart to His softening, subduing influence greatly dishonors God and manifests Satan's attributes, and even with excellent qualifications, to remain unconverted, unsanctified and unholy with the door padlocked against love for brethren leaves one without the attributes needed for entrance into the kingdom.
Unity and Fellowship
Love binding hearts together unites disciples to one another and to the Son of God and to God, making them of one heart and soul as one family pressing heart to heart and soul to soul. This mutual love binding them together is the proof by which all people know they belong to Christ, the most convincing evidence to the world of His power to transform character. It is love for one another as Christ loved, increasing love for those for whom He died expressed in unselfish thoughts and unselfish actions, and when rivalry is quenched and no mean, cheap actions grieve the Spirit there comes an entire change in the experience of the churches. Where members love God supremely and neighbor as self they have unity without strained efforts, closing ears to reports and refusing to reproach one another, and this love and unity testify that God sent His Son and acknowledge His divinity. It is to be appreciated and entered into without an hour's delay, fulfilling His purpose and answering His prayer for unity, the prescription curing all alienation and strife so that people recognize disciples because they are bound by the golden chain of love, while selfishness, strife, division and stubborn independence break the bond.
This unity fulfills the prayer offered just before the crucifixion that disciples might be one as He is one with the Father, a prayer reaching to all who would believe through their word so that the world might believe God sent Him. Mutual love commanded as loving as He loved is continued by abiding in His love and keeping His commandments unto full joy, and when acted upon in speech and spirit it lifts to a higher standard and has convincing influence upon the world. It is to be the great object and constant aim ever before them, never sacrificing one principle of truth but coming through obedience to the truth and sanctification and keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace with zeal and firmness united to meekness and forbearance. When God's people work together harmoniously and intelligently in love they are made perfect in one, and their love and unity stand as proof of His divine mission, whereas diversity of faith, alienation of feeling, controversy without humility, and differences and animosities hinder the gospel and confirm unbelievers in doubt.
The early believers fulfilled it when, filled with the Holy Spirit, they became of one heart and soul with none calling anything his own and gave powerful witness to the resurrection with great grace upon them, showing abiding heart love that does all in human power for the salvation of men, women and children with specially tender love for those of the same faith. Completeness in Christ requires this love, and doing what He commanded proves it, for Christ abiding in one soul will not quarrel with Christ in another soul. Variance with brethren therefore proves self still needs to be crucified and the will is not yet under Christ's control, and those made free indeed bear with others' peculiarities, subdue their own, soften temperament, and have traits molded in harmony with His will unto the standard of perfection. That love is His righteousness imparted by the Leader going before, revealed in well-ordered life and godly conversation as faith working by love and purifying the soul, preparing Christians to sit together in heavenly places and to work together without thought of collision. It is proved when workers of very different gifts, minds, operations and temperaments labor together in harmonious effort under the same Head and the same Spirit, each faithfully filling his appointed place with kindness and love in every word and act, so that different minds are reached as truth is presented in different ways and Christ's prayer for unity is answered.
Union in heart with Christ and with one another is the safety of commandment-keeping people in coming conflict and deception and strength against Satan's attacks. When His people live His prayer for unity in practical life, being of one heart and bound to Christ and to one another, their unity is strength; but dissension, self-seeking, pursuit of highest place, and hating and fighting among themselves leave them weak. Such disunion contradicts the witness of love, weakens testimony, gives the world reason to dismiss faith, and gives Satan reason to regard them as no threat.
Hindrances to Love
Love among followers is the public mark by which people recognize them as disciples, growing from unity with Christ the root and shaped by His example, and where the command to love is obeyed envy, suspicion, evil thoughts and evil speech are banished. That love is measured by Christ's own love, not by mere profession, and contention, harshness, suspicion and bitterness toward fellow believers contradict the evidence by which all people know discipleship. Jealousy, backbiting and criticism among believers contradict that love, and seeing such conduct can keep people from being convinced of the truth. The sign requires setting aside pride, pettiness, envy, jealousy and evil surmising, and choosing love over strife, malice and hatred in unity. Hardness, coldness, criticism and dissension contradict the mark that must be expressed in tender words and actions through kindness, esteem and forbearance, giving room for division.
Satan works with every effort to hinder this mutual love by putting division and strife upon God's people to weaken and destroy them, and each person must steadfastly resist him rather than unite with him. His great work is to lead many to hold the theory of truth while destitute of Christlike love, working constantly to create disunion, disaffection, discord, variance and strife over small matters at first and then greater matters. That process continues until a person has no love for brethren and professed love for Christ becomes a farce, theoretical like that of the Pharisees who refused to receive the Son of God, showing he does not know Christ and is not molded by His Holy Spirit. When God's people instead work together harmoniously and intelligently in love, Christ's prayer that they may be made perfect in one is fulfilled.
Drawing into exclusive lines and closing the heart to the softening, subduing influence of Christ's Spirit greatly dishonors God and manifests Satan's attributes instead of the pure, holy, uplifting influence that dwelt in Christ. Even with excellent qualifications, remaining unconverted, unsanctified and unholy and padlocking the door of the heart against love for brethren leaves a person without the attributes needed for entrance into the kingdom of God, and without speedy reformation of soul and obedience to the injunction all the attributes Christ came to give are lost. Strife and quarrels contradict the witness of peace and harmony that must be cultivated, marking those who engage in them with Satan's stamp rather than heaven's. Clinging to one's own opinions, impressions and feelings instead of sacrificing them for others can lead to self-deception and judgments of neighbors that do not reflect Christ. Divisive criticism, manufacturing falsehood, abusing confidence and destroying the reputation of true friends, especially brethren in the ministry, counterwork Christ's prayer just before His crucifixion and prove the criticizers have chosen Satan as leader, have departed from the faith and lack true sanctification even while preaching it. Seeking supremacy is contrary to this evidence by which the world recognizes followers through unselfish love for one another.
Living Out the Love
The love is learned in humility at the ordinances of humility, where following Christ's example expels selfishness and brings the Holy Spirit with love, grace and peace into the contrite heart. It is tested at every foot-washing by asking what stands between oneself and a brother that would keep from loving him as Christ loved, forbidding pride and supremacy that looks down on a poor brother and lifts self above him. That season of self-examination exposes pride, selfishness and hatred and leads to mutual confession, forbearance, forgiveness of one another's errors and true love in preparation for commemorating Christ's sufferings and death. The command and example were given not for the first disciples only but for the benefit of all who believe, who must follow what He did with humility and continual obedience as the conditions on which redemption is purchased. It requires a yielded heart softened and subdued by grace so it can feel, see and hear, then renewed and sanctified to do good work for brethren instead of evil work, bringing hearts together in unity and oneness with Christ and each other. Pride, self-sufficiency, evil thinking, evil speaking, scheming, faultfinding, criticizing, contention and strife show that love of God is lost from the heart and that there is no love for brethren, while disunion testifies against the claim to fulfill the word and unity testifies for it before the world, angels and men.
Baptism includes a pledge to obey the command to love one another as Christ loved even to laying down life for friends, patterned on His self-giving love at the cross as the visible sign by which people recognize genuine Christianity. Doing whatever He commands conditions discipleship, and for workers in a school this means obeying the Word from the heart by helping one another and helping students where they need help, not making each other's deficiencies apparent, appreciating partnership in God's firm and acting as associate teachers. This love comes from Christ, is received and shared, and must be lived out day by day, for a life marked by strife and dissension contradicts belief in Christ while a life shaped by His love shows learning from Him. Their love also deepens understanding of Christ's love, which will be opened more fully in eternity.
At home, in families, in churches and in schools the love is to be practiced daily and taught as of great importance, and when it prevails dissension and division end. It comes from the spirit of Jesus living within by faith as Christ abides in the heart, is shown in kindness and courtesy at home and in church, brings harmony, keeps contention and strife from taking hold, and calls believers to seek unity without divisions with Christ as strength. Hearts filled with the love of Christ can never get very far apart, so controversy must cease at home and in the church, for religion is love and a Christian home is one where love reigns and finds expression in words and acts of thoughtful kindness and gentle courtesy. There no harsh words are spoken and family worship is made pleasant and interesting, and the same principles that characterize home life are carried into the church. A lack of courtesy, a moment of petulance and a single rough thoughtless word mars reputation and closes the door to hearts so they can never be reached. Practical self-sacrificing love also opens the home to the sick and suffering as a hospital, invites overworked workers to come and rest and regain strength without charge, and cares for the needy so that even unbelievers recognize having been with Jesus and carrying out gospel principles.
In Christian institutions and business this love shapes kindness and conduct toward fellow workers, teaching unity in love learned from the Word by ceasing unprofitable conversation and closing the door to disparaging one another and exalting self. It is cultivated alongside faith and expressed by respecting one another rather than becoming self-sufficient or insisting on one's own way, by uniting and treating one another gently, justly and righteously and working by Christ's principles rather than condemning others or building self up at their expense. A spirit of criticism, superiority, ordering and dictating in board and committee meetings offends God, dishonors the Lord and disgusts those not in the truth, and left unchanged becomes fixed habit that ruins souls and spoils one's own prospect for heaven. Discipleship requires Christlike managing as coworkers under God's jurisdiction, accountable for speech, words and actions, with no feeling of superiority but tact, openness and respect for brethren of talent and intellect as equals in counsel. The managing elements must be refined, purified and sanctified through prayer and meetings for seeking God and opening hearts to the love of Jesus Christ. Union of heart and action in Christian love is unmistakable evidence before the heavenly universe, the church and the world that believers are God's sons and daughters, coming from having Christ's character with Christ living in each as a living, active, holy power through dying to self and being born again, so that the Christ in one meets the Christ in another and the Holy Spirit gives unity. It requires putting aside national distinctions as Americans or Europeans, Germans or Frenchmen, Swedes, Danes or Norwegians, and laying aside self, preferences, fancies and peculiar identity, personality and individuality that separate from fellow laborers, crucifying self and esteeming others better than self, prayed for, worked for and striven for earnestly unto spiritual health, elevation of thought, nobility of character, heavenly-mindedness and power to overcome selfishness and evil-surmising.
In mission the love labors with burning desire to seek and save souls ready to perish, using every opportunity to gain knowledge under Christ's guidance with the Holy Spirit as efficiency, so that thousands can do effective work even without much schooling. It uses talents to persuade souls to leave sin, hates sin yet loves the sinner, copies Christ's patience and self-denial, becomes light-bearing influence that brings souls to truth, and takes hold of God with one hand while in love laying hold of the erring to draw them to Jesus with prayer, weeping and unfailing feeling for souls. Because Christ placed a high estimate on human beings by purchasing them with His blood at the sacrifice of His life, this love treats them carefully with forbearance and patience, refusing to wound and bruise hearts, being neither dictatorial nor accusing and judging, nor talking of errors, quarreling and estrangement. Even when evil must be reproved plainly and faithfully, only one who is spiritual himself does so, restoring the erring in meekness after the gospel plan. Made known through Christ's suffering and death on the cross and directed especially toward the weak, wretched, helpless, sick, poor, desolate and discouraged, it expresses itself in compassionate help and relief of suffering as done for Him, joining love to God with love to brethren by renewal after the Spirit of Christ. Where Christ abides and the heart is renewed there is love for God and brother in large measure with refreshing presence of His Spirit, distinguishing Christians from worldlings by Christlikeness whose pure influence cleanses from selfishness, while absence of love proves want of Jesus' love and absence of His Spirit.
The love keeps the law, for the law and the prophets rest on supreme love to God and unselfish love to neighbor as the two great supports, and practicing it has present and eternal results. Christlike love for fellow believers and neighbors is essential to faith that leads to eternal life, valuing those around as souls for whom Christ died, for a loveless Christian does not exist since God is love and dwells in the one who loves. A claim to keep God's commandments is not by itself evidence of obedience, for love for God and neighbor is required, and unselfish self-sacrificing love is the clearest evidence of sincerely keeping the law and loyalty to Christ. Mutual love like Christ's testifies that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, and is the test of genuine religious experience and sanctification through the truth by the divine standard. True Christlike love is the greatest of all gifts and talents, the brightest evidence of the power of religion and the daily witness by which the world recognizes disciples, which the churches are called to manifest, preparing for heaven where there is no striving for place.
The love glorifies God when accusing, belittling, thinking evil, speaking evil and climbing upon the judgment seat to judge others cease, for such judging does great mischief by word and action and delights the enemy. When Christ as the Sun of Righteousness shines into the chambers of the mind and the soul temple, faultfinding is exposed and ceases, though love does not forbid plain words of truth at times when spoken in the spirit of Christ. Loving one another means dealing honestly, justly and truly with one another, refusing to try to reform self by pointing at someone else's wrongs or by false weights and measures, and manifesting the love of God instead of hatred in close connection with Christ.
By this all people recognize followers of Christ, when they see genuine love among them for one another. That love is measured not by love for self but by His own love for them, a holy, unselfish and steadfast love shown in laying down His life for sinful humanity. It is the distinguishing proof of discipleship, revealing that Christ dwells within, that God's character is restored, and that God sent His Son to save sinners. It comes only from living union with Christ through the Spirit dwelling in the heart, and must be planted by God, cultivated and lived out rather than left to grow on its own. In daily life it appears in tender, patient, forgiving words and deeds, binds believers into one heart and family, and without it all profession, gifts and labor are worthless.
Setting and Wording
Mutual love among believers is the sign by which all people recognize followers of Christ, continuing the command to love one another as he loved them. That love binds hearts together and unites them to the Son of God and to God, and it is the most convincing evidence to the world of his power. It follows his example shown in his offering for the sins of the world, calling disciples to work for the salvation of men, women and children as people purchased by his blood, with especially tender love for fellow believers, and it is fruit to be given back to God.
The words were given to the disciples in the upper chamber shortly before the crucifixion, when departure, trial, humiliation and death were near at hand. He was not thinking of himself but sought to comfort them as little children who were so soon to be severely tempted and tried. It is a great lesson all need to learn.
The command is called new because the standard of loving as he loved was about to be fulfilled in his offering for the sins of the world. He had not yet given the crowning evidence of his love in the sacrifice of his life on the cross, and when that offering was made the gift would be complete. In the light of that sacrifice the command has a new meaning, and his life and death shape how followers treat one another. The lessons about this love are just as new in practice now as they were to the disciples before his death and resurrection.
The command was not new in principle, since it had already been given in the Old Testament, but it was new to the disciples because it differed so greatly from the instruction of the Jewish teachers. It was called new because it was always to be new in practice, having been covered up by traditions and buried out of sight and not put into practice. This love calls believers to draw together, cherish one another, stop criticizing one another, and keep the harmony that fellowship with Christ brings between believers for the strengthening of the church.
The disciples did not then fully understand what loving as he loved meant. They understood the depth more fully after witnessing his suffering in the garden and judgment hall, his betrayal, trial, crucifixion and death, and after seeing him raised and ascended and proclaimed as the resurrection and the life. Seeing its breadth and depth was to bind them together, prepare them to receive the Spirit, and strengthen their witness to their Leader's divinity.
All people means families, neighbors, those who do not believe the truth, unbelievers around, and the world, who know discipleship by visible love and its fruits. Those fruits are loving, honoring and glorifying God, exemplifying the beauty of holiness and letting the loveliness of truth shine forth in life and practice, representing God's character in marked contrast to Satan's character. By this plain mark he does not leave his church as a strange undenominated power in the world but makes it God's denominated people, with himself abiding with his believing people, and it marks the chosen and faithful, the loyal and true who bear heaven's credentials.
Nature of Required Love
The love required is patterned on Christ's own love for His disciples and measured by as I have loved you, which sets a higher standard than loving one's neighbor as oneself. It is fruit to be given back to God, essential to Christian perfection so that activity and much work cannot make up for its absence, and a church that lacks it faces removal of its candlestick. Kept by every child of God, this love enables unity among believers with diverse gifts, making their work a complete whole. Its depth was grasped only after His suffering and death were witnessed and He was seen raised and ascended.
That love is holy, heavenly, unselfish and steadfast. It is pure and comes from centering the affections on Jesus as first, last and best, rather than sentimental attachment that draws people away from Christ and makes one another the focus. It is not based on praise, affection or others' appreciation, but on their being people for whom Christ died and whom He purchased with His blood at the sacrifice of His life. It distinguishes Christians from worldlings as Christlikeness whose pure influence cleanses the heart from selfishness, and it comes from renewal after the Spirit of Christ joining love to God with love to brethren. Every heart where Christ abides and is renewed by the Spirit loves God and brother in large measure, while where there is no love of Jesus there is absence of His Spirit and no refreshing. Because of the high estimate placed on human beings, this love treats them carefully with forbearance and patience, refusing to wound and bruise hearts, and even when evil must be reproved plainly and faithfully it restores the erring in meekness after the gospel plan by one who is spiritual himself.
Its full measure was shown in suffering in the garden and judgment hall and in self-sacrifice and death on the cross for guilty, lost and sinful humanity, even to laying down life for friends. That self-sacrifice gives the command a new meaning and shows how disciples are to love one another. It calls them to live in self-denial and humility and to sacrifice for the truth and for others. Believers are to consider His love and help spread knowledge of it, for because each believer can influence another, their love can carry God's grace to others, bringing a heavenly influence where harmful influences have hindered God's work and dishonored His name.
It is practical love in word and deed, shown in daily association, and is more than merely tolerating one another. Sharing in the divine nature brings sympathy with Christ and leads to loving treatment of others, showing that Christ is formed within. It reflects Jesus' own enduring, tender love and is shown in spirit, words and deeds through tenderness, thoughtfulness, self-denying and unselfish kindness, sympathy, affection, courtesy, politeness, deference, respect, esteem, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, confidence, tender regard and cheerful service, putting the gospel into action and binding believers together in unity. An abiding Christ enables believers to overcome hurt feelings and respond with patience and affection. Hardness, coldness, criticism and dissension contradict this mark and give room for division, and lack of love among believers, especially ministers, conflicts with Christ's command, while confession, forgiveness and renewed love bring spiritual blessing.
It is love without parallel that labors for the salvation of men, women and children, recognizing them as people purchased by His blood and doing all in human power for their salvation through His offering for the sins of the world. It extends to brethren who disagree or do not praise, and to every person whether friend or foe, acquaintance or stranger, including forgiveness, tender sympathy, kind words and pleasant looks. Those enlightened by God's Spirit and converted through the truth owe this love to others, and it blesses both receiver and giver and grows as it is shared. Within this breadth there is an especially tender love for all of the same faith.
Public Mark of Discipleship
Mutual love modeled on Christ's own love is the distinguishing badge, credential and proof by which all people recognize His disciples. Those who cherish it carry the credentials that God sent His Son into the world to save sinners, and convince the world that they are Bible Christians who keep God's commandments. It shows that Christ is formed within, that His Spirit pervading the heart develops Christlike traits and imparts His attributes, that believers have been with Christ, and that they belong to God's family. The command lays special obligation on laborers in word and doctrine entrusted as faithful stewards watching for souls, and must be obeyed to the letter in unselfish love manifested in speech and spirit; where it is not manifested claimants to be God's children lie against the truth, and judging, despising, condemning, selfishness, strife, division and stubborn independence break the bond of unity and fellowship with Christ and the Father. Unless faith works by love and purifies the soul it is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal, and those without love and unity have no reason to count themselves disciples except in name.
Unselfish love among Christians bears the most convincing evidence to the world of Christ's power to transform character, a testimony that unbelievers cannot gainsay, refute or resist. It defeats Satan's designs, builds Christ's kingdom, and brings peace and prosperity which are enjoyed only when meekness and love are actively practiced. The closer believers resemble Christ in character the greater their love for those for whom He died, and their unity in love carries God's grace and heavenly influence where harmful influences have hindered His work and dishonored His name. Consideration of His death for sinful humanity makes the command new and moves believers to help spread knowledge of it, since each can influence another; lived unity lifts to a higher standard, gives powerful support to the truth, helps convince the world that Christianity is genuine, magnifies a Saviour who justifies by His righteousness, and draws others to the truth and to glorify the Father.
Without this first love for one another, profession, Sabbath observance, great gifts, miracles, generosity, martyrdom, labor, patience, zeal, knowledge, discernment and service are unacceptable to God and worthless, do not prove obedience or conversion, and do not receive His grace to share with others. The church addressed in Revelation had lost this first love despite commendable work, and its otherwise good works were unacceptable; without revealing Christ's commanded love the light does not shine to the world. Jealousy, backbiting, criticism, suspicion, accusation, condemnation, worldly coldness, separation, self-pleasing, disunion and hatred contradict the identifying mark, weaken the church's influence, dishonor God's cause, misrepresent and reproach Christ's name, and keep people from being convinced of the truth. Many who profess faith fail this test of Christian love patterned after Christ's love.
This love is not based on force or self-interest but reflects God's character and the influence of His Spirit. Where it binds people together in perfect harmony and united fellowship it shows God's image being restored in humanity, a new principle of life implanted, and divine power able to resist evil and subdue the selfishness of the natural heart. By partaking of the divine nature through Christ's connection of humanity with divinity, believers perfect the love of God in their own hearts, reveal His attributes and the truth of God to the world, and by cords of love draw others into sacred union with Christ. Their Christlike character and conduct thus show that Christ's life is in them.
Source and Growth in Love
The love by which all people recognize disciples comes from living connection and union with Christ the root, from Christ dwelling in the heart by faith through the Holy Spirit, and from close fellowship with God. Where Christ abides the heart loves God and brother in large measure, and that love carries His fragrance and appears in daily tenderness, sweetness and grace rather than sharp or cutting words. It grows from unity with Him and is shaped by His example, showing itself in unity, fellowship, self-denial, and Christlike words and actions by which believers represent Christ and show they belong to God's family. When the command is obeyed envy, suspicion, evil thinking and evil speech are banished, and followers live as a united brotherhood working with Him to save humanity. Accepting Him means taking on the commitment to learn in His school, so that love flows from the heart in unselfish seeking of others' good with self-denial and sacrifice in family, neighborhood and church. That practical daily love is the fruit of living connection and the sure badge of discipleship, for profession alone does not prove it, and clinging to one's own opinions, impressions and feelings instead of sacrificing them leads to self-deception and unchristlike judgments of neighbors.
Christ's Spirit pervading the heart develops Christlike traits of character, imparts His own attributes, and melts and subdues the heart to do His works, and the promise of the Holy Spirit is given so that this result may be produced. This love is the credential by which all know the disciples and know that God sent His Son to save sinners, laid especially on laborers in word and doctrine as faithful stewards watching for souls, to be obeyed to the letter in unselfish love for one another. Where that love is not manifested by those claiming to be God's children they lie against the truth, and unless they cherish faith that works by love and purifies the soul their faith is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. No one can love Christ without increasing love for those for whom He died, expressed in unselfish thoughts and actions that bind heart to heart and soul to soul, and even one who understands Scripture and preaches cannot represent Him without it but misrepresents and falsifies Him. Churches are very deficient in this grace, and had they loved as He loved there would now be a large army in their ranks, while holding the theory of truth destitute of love is Satan's masterpiece, working through disunion over small then greater matters until love for brethren is gone and professed love for Christ is a farce like that of the Pharisees, showing the person does not know Christ and is not molded by His Spirit. Because He gave Himself, followers are required to give themselves with talents of means and ability in self-sacrifice and self-denial, heeding the injunction to sell and give alms and provide unfailing heavenly treasure, for a church experience without loving as He loved is imperfect.
This love does not grow naturally in the human heart but must be planted by God through His Spirit and then carefully cultivated in practice, cherished, given room to grow, and lived out rather than merely heard. It follows His self-giving example and calls His followers away from zeal for exposing disagreements and from accusing and condemning others toward practicing His example in the merciful spirit He showed the guilty woman. It is undermined by talk about others' failings, so room must be given for it to grow instead. It goes beyond loving neighbor as oneself and is essential to Christian perfection, so that activity and much work cannot make up for its absence, and a church lacking it faces removal of its candlestick. The command must be kept by every child of God, and this love enables unity among believers with diverse gifts, making their work a complete whole.
Sin expelled God's love from the heart, so He now demands this Christlike love without parallel with childlike simplicity, spoken to disciples as little children. Sensing Christ's love softens and subdues the spirit, brings out of self into doing the Word as written, with the Holy Spirit working every power, bringing obedience. This religion is not tame but up and doing, militant and aggressive upon self and all unlike Christ, running life's race to obtain the crown and be victorious. Those who lead institutions and every church must be changed in heart and character, yoked with Christ to learn His meekness and lowliness, with the heart unlocked so His love takes possession and flows out in pure, rich currents of tenderness, courtesy and kindly deeds, for without speedy reformation and obedience they lose all the attributes He came to give. Drawing into exclusive lines and closing the heart to His softening, subduing influence greatly dishonors God and manifests Satan's attributes, and even with excellent qualifications, to remain unconverted, unsanctified and unholy with the door padlocked against love for brethren leaves one without the attributes needed for entrance into the kingdom.
Unity and Fellowship
Love binding hearts together unites disciples to one another and to the Son of God and to God, making them of one heart and soul as one family pressing heart to heart and soul to soul. This mutual love binding them together is the proof by which all people know they belong to Christ, the most convincing evidence to the world of His power to transform character. It is love for one another as Christ loved, increasing love for those for whom He died expressed in unselfish thoughts and unselfish actions, and when rivalry is quenched and no mean, cheap actions grieve the Spirit there comes an entire change in the experience of the churches. Where members love God supremely and neighbor as self they have unity without strained efforts, closing ears to reports and refusing to reproach one another, and this love and unity testify that God sent His Son and acknowledge His divinity. It is to be appreciated and entered into without an hour's delay, fulfilling His purpose and answering His prayer for unity, the prescription curing all alienation and strife so that people recognize disciples because they are bound by the golden chain of love, while selfishness, strife, division and stubborn independence break the bond.
This unity fulfills the prayer offered just before the crucifixion that disciples might be one as He is one with the Father, a prayer reaching to all who would believe through their word so that the world might believe God sent Him. Mutual love commanded as loving as He loved is continued by abiding in His love and keeping His commandments unto full joy, and when acted upon in speech and spirit it lifts to a higher standard and has convincing influence upon the world. It is to be the great object and constant aim ever before them, never sacrificing one principle of truth but coming through obedience to the truth and sanctification and keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace with zeal and firmness united to meekness and forbearance. When God's people work together harmoniously and intelligently in love they are made perfect in one, and their love and unity stand as proof of His divine mission, whereas diversity of faith, alienation of feeling, controversy without humility, and differences and animosities hinder the gospel and confirm unbelievers in doubt.
The early believers fulfilled it when, filled with the Holy Spirit, they became of one heart and soul with none calling anything his own and gave powerful witness to the resurrection with great grace upon them, showing abiding heart love that does all in human power for the salvation of men, women and children with specially tender love for those of the same faith. Completeness in Christ requires this love, and doing what He commanded proves it, for Christ abiding in one soul will not quarrel with Christ in another soul. Variance with brethren therefore proves self still needs to be crucified and the will is not yet under Christ's control, and those made free indeed bear with others' peculiarities, subdue their own, soften temperament, and have traits molded in harmony with His will unto the standard of perfection. That love is His righteousness imparted by the Leader going before, revealed in well-ordered life and godly conversation as faith working by love and purifying the soul, preparing Christians to sit together in heavenly places and to work together without thought of collision. It is proved when workers of very different gifts, minds, operations and temperaments labor together in harmonious effort under the same Head and the same Spirit, each faithfully filling his appointed place with kindness and love in every word and act, so that different minds are reached as truth is presented in different ways and Christ's prayer for unity is answered.
Union in heart with Christ and with one another is the safety of commandment-keeping people in coming conflict and deception and strength against Satan's attacks. When His people live His prayer for unity in practical life, being of one heart and bound to Christ and to one another, their unity is strength; but dissension, self-seeking, pursuit of highest place, and hating and fighting among themselves leave them weak. Such disunion contradicts the witness of love, weakens testimony, gives the world reason to dismiss faith, and gives Satan reason to regard them as no threat.
Hindrances to Love
Love among followers is the public mark by which people recognize them as disciples, growing from unity with Christ the root and shaped by His example, and where the command to love is obeyed envy, suspicion, evil thoughts and evil speech are banished. That love is measured by Christ's own love, not by mere profession, and contention, harshness, suspicion and bitterness toward fellow believers contradict the evidence by which all people know discipleship. Jealousy, backbiting and criticism among believers contradict that love, and seeing such conduct can keep people from being convinced of the truth. The sign requires setting aside pride, pettiness, envy, jealousy and evil surmising, and choosing love over strife, malice and hatred in unity. Hardness, coldness, criticism and dissension contradict the mark that must be expressed in tender words and actions through kindness, esteem and forbearance, giving room for division.
Satan works with every effort to hinder this mutual love by putting division and strife upon God's people to weaken and destroy them, and each person must steadfastly resist him rather than unite with him. His great work is to lead many to hold the theory of truth while destitute of Christlike love, working constantly to create disunion, disaffection, discord, variance and strife over small matters at first and then greater matters. That process continues until a person has no love for brethren and professed love for Christ becomes a farce, theoretical like that of the Pharisees who refused to receive the Son of God, showing he does not know Christ and is not molded by His Holy Spirit. When God's people instead work together harmoniously and intelligently in love, Christ's prayer that they may be made perfect in one is fulfilled.
Drawing into exclusive lines and closing the heart to the softening, subduing influence of Christ's Spirit greatly dishonors God and manifests Satan's attributes instead of the pure, holy, uplifting influence that dwelt in Christ. Even with excellent qualifications, remaining unconverted, unsanctified and unholy and padlocking the door of the heart against love for brethren leaves a person without the attributes needed for entrance into the kingdom of God, and without speedy reformation of soul and obedience to the injunction all the attributes Christ came to give are lost. Strife and quarrels contradict the witness of peace and harmony that must be cultivated, marking those who engage in them with Satan's stamp rather than heaven's. Clinging to one's own opinions, impressions and feelings instead of sacrificing them for others can lead to self-deception and judgments of neighbors that do not reflect Christ. Divisive criticism, manufacturing falsehood, abusing confidence and destroying the reputation of true friends, especially brethren in the ministry, counterwork Christ's prayer just before His crucifixion and prove the criticizers have chosen Satan as leader, have departed from the faith and lack true sanctification even while preaching it. Seeking supremacy is contrary to this evidence by which the world recognizes followers through unselfish love for one another.
Living Out the Love
The love is learned in humility at the ordinances of humility, where following Christ's example expels selfishness and brings the Holy Spirit with love, grace and peace into the contrite heart. It is tested at every foot-washing by asking what stands between oneself and a brother that would keep from loving him as Christ loved, forbidding pride and supremacy that looks down on a poor brother and lifts self above him. That season of self-examination exposes pride, selfishness and hatred and leads to mutual confession, forbearance, forgiveness of one another's errors and true love in preparation for commemorating Christ's sufferings and death. The command and example were given not for the first disciples only but for the benefit of all who believe, who must follow what He did with humility and continual obedience as the conditions on which redemption is purchased. It requires a yielded heart softened and subdued by grace so it can feel, see and hear, then renewed and sanctified to do good work for brethren instead of evil work, bringing hearts together in unity and oneness with Christ and each other. Pride, self-sufficiency, evil thinking, evil speaking, scheming, faultfinding, criticizing, contention and strife show that love of God is lost from the heart and that there is no love for brethren, while disunion testifies against the claim to fulfill the word and unity testifies for it before the world, angels and men.
Baptism includes a pledge to obey the command to love one another as Christ loved even to laying down life for friends, patterned on His self-giving love at the cross as the visible sign by which people recognize genuine Christianity. Doing whatever He commands conditions discipleship, and for workers in a school this means obeying the Word from the heart by helping one another and helping students where they need help, not making each other's deficiencies apparent, appreciating partnership in God's firm and acting as associate teachers. This love comes from Christ, is received and shared, and must be lived out day by day, for a life marked by strife and dissension contradicts belief in Christ while a life shaped by His love shows learning from Him. Their love also deepens understanding of Christ's love, which will be opened more fully in eternity.
At home, in families, in churches and in schools the love is to be practiced daily and taught as of great importance, and when it prevails dissension and division end. It comes from the spirit of Jesus living within by faith as Christ abides in the heart, is shown in kindness and courtesy at home and in church, brings harmony, keeps contention and strife from taking hold, and calls believers to seek unity without divisions with Christ as strength. Hearts filled with the love of Christ can never get very far apart, so controversy must cease at home and in the church, for religion is love and a Christian home is one where love reigns and finds expression in words and acts of thoughtful kindness and gentle courtesy. There no harsh words are spoken and family worship is made pleasant and interesting, and the same principles that characterize home life are carried into the church. A lack of courtesy, a moment of petulance and a single rough thoughtless word mars reputation and closes the door to hearts so they can never be reached. Practical self-sacrificing love also opens the home to the sick and suffering as a hospital, invites overworked workers to come and rest and regain strength without charge, and cares for the needy so that even unbelievers recognize having been with Jesus and carrying out gospel principles.
In Christian institutions and business this love shapes kindness and conduct toward fellow workers, teaching unity in love learned from the Word by ceasing unprofitable conversation and closing the door to disparaging one another and exalting self. It is cultivated alongside faith and expressed by respecting one another rather than becoming self-sufficient or insisting on one's own way, by uniting and treating one another gently, justly and righteously and working by Christ's principles rather than condemning others or building self up at their expense. A spirit of criticism, superiority, ordering and dictating in board and committee meetings offends God, dishonors the Lord and disgusts those not in the truth, and left unchanged becomes fixed habit that ruins souls and spoils one's own prospect for heaven. Discipleship requires Christlike managing as coworkers under God's jurisdiction, accountable for speech, words and actions, with no feeling of superiority but tact, openness and respect for brethren of talent and intellect as equals in counsel. The managing elements must be refined, purified and sanctified through prayer and meetings for seeking God and opening hearts to the love of Jesus Christ. Union of heart and action in Christian love is unmistakable evidence before the heavenly universe, the church and the world that believers are God's sons and daughters, coming from having Christ's character with Christ living in each as a living, active, holy power through dying to self and being born again, so that the Christ in one meets the Christ in another and the Holy Spirit gives unity. It requires putting aside national distinctions as Americans or Europeans, Germans or Frenchmen, Swedes, Danes or Norwegians, and laying aside self, preferences, fancies and peculiar identity, personality and individuality that separate from fellow laborers, crucifying self and esteeming others better than self, prayed for, worked for and striven for earnestly unto spiritual health, elevation of thought, nobility of character, heavenly-mindedness and power to overcome selfishness and evil-surmising.
In mission the love labors with burning desire to seek and save souls ready to perish, using every opportunity to gain knowledge under Christ's guidance with the Holy Spirit as efficiency, so that thousands can do effective work even without much schooling. It uses talents to persuade souls to leave sin, hates sin yet loves the sinner, copies Christ's patience and self-denial, becomes light-bearing influence that brings souls to truth, and takes hold of God with one hand while in love laying hold of the erring to draw them to Jesus with prayer, weeping and unfailing feeling for souls. Because Christ placed a high estimate on human beings by purchasing them with His blood at the sacrifice of His life, this love treats them carefully with forbearance and patience, refusing to wound and bruise hearts, being neither dictatorial nor accusing and judging, nor talking of errors, quarreling and estrangement. Even when evil must be reproved plainly and faithfully, only one who is spiritual himself does so, restoring the erring in meekness after the gospel plan. Made known through Christ's suffering and death on the cross and directed especially toward the weak, wretched, helpless, sick, poor, desolate and discouraged, it expresses itself in compassionate help and relief of suffering as done for Him, joining love to God with love to brethren by renewal after the Spirit of Christ. Where Christ abides and the heart is renewed there is love for God and brother in large measure with refreshing presence of His Spirit, distinguishing Christians from worldlings by Christlikeness whose pure influence cleanses from selfishness, while absence of love proves want of Jesus' love and absence of His Spirit.
The love keeps the law, for the law and the prophets rest on supreme love to God and unselfish love to neighbor as the two great supports, and practicing it has present and eternal results. Christlike love for fellow believers and neighbors is essential to faith that leads to eternal life, valuing those around as souls for whom Christ died, for a loveless Christian does not exist since God is love and dwells in the one who loves. A claim to keep God's commandments is not by itself evidence of obedience, for love for God and neighbor is required, and unselfish self-sacrificing love is the clearest evidence of sincerely keeping the law and loyalty to Christ. Mutual love like Christ's testifies that Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, and is the test of genuine religious experience and sanctification through the truth by the divine standard. True Christlike love is the greatest of all gifts and talents, the brightest evidence of the power of religion and the daily witness by which the world recognizes disciples, which the churches are called to manifest, preparing for heaven where there is no striving for place.
The love glorifies God when accusing, belittling, thinking evil, speaking evil and climbing upon the judgment seat to judge others cease, for such judging does great mischief by word and action and delights the enemy. When Christ as the Sun of Righteousness shines into the chambers of the mind and the soul temple, faultfinding is exposed and ceases, though love does not forbid plain words of truth at times when spoken in the spirit of Christ. Loving one another means dealing honestly, justly and truly with one another, refusing to try to reform self by pointing at someone else's wrongs or by false weights and measures, and manifesting the love of God instead of hatred in close connection with Christ.