The final steps of Jesus (Part 6) “They will know we are Christians by our love”

"Genuine love is a precious attribute of heavenly origin, which increases in fragrance in proportion as it is dispensed to others”

By E.G. White

This is the 238^th letter:

Text for the day: John 13:34-35 (King James Version)

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

April is a special month to many around the world. It is our aim at Garden Ministry with your help to see that everyone on your email contact list if they will, receive these devotions in that month. The theme for the month will be, “Go light your world”. We can make it happen, by lighting your world.

Our Devotional

Yesterday we looked at the different types of love, but today we shall look at the command to love. The commandment to love one another in, (John 13:34) is not a new concept in the Bible. In fact when you look back at, (Leviticus 19:18) the Bible has already set the foundation for all men to love and pursue peace. So what was new about this command that Jesus called it new? The command was new in that a new demonstration had been given of love, which the disciples were now bidden to emulate. By the revelation of the father’s character through Jesus, a new concept of God’s love was opened.

This new knowledge and understanding of love enjoined God’s church to not just preserve the same relationship within the church, but to those who don’t know Christ. Notice the old commandment encouraged all to love their neighbors as themselves, but the new commandment urged all to love as Jesus had loved. The old commandment encourages mankind to love up to a point, but the new commandment, commands the full glory of God’s love to shine upon all men. The new command literally reads, “To keep on loving,” (Matthew 5:34-44).

If Jesus would have stopped there and went out, this would have been good. But Jesus turns around and says, “ By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love, one to another". Jesus' life had been a practical demonstration of love in action, and unless the disciples were willing to manifest this same kind of love, there would be no evidence of their relationship with Him. It is love, not profession, which the world needs. To love as Christ loved means to manifest unselfishness at all times and in all places, by kind words and pleasant looks. By this they know you are a Christian. Jesus' words to the disciples are the same for His church today. If a constant, fervent manifestation of love was shown to all, rather than an isolated, fitful outburst of charitableness and love, there world be more people coming to Jesus.

If we as the people of God were more loving, kind, courteous, and tenderhearted, there would be one hundred people brought to Jesus where there is now one.

“The Lord is coming, and we need to bend every energy to the accomplishment of the work before us. I appeal to you to give yourselves wholly to the Lord and His work. Christ gave His time, His soul, His strength, to labor for the benefit and blessing of humanity. Entire days were devoted to labor, and entire nights were spent in prayer, that He might be braced to meet the foe and fortified to help those who came to Him for relief.” The Book Entitled (Gospel Workers 115.3), Love is not an impulse, a transitory emotion, as some would have you to believe, but it is a living principle, a permanent power, that comes form God. This love is deep and earnest, flowing like an irrepressible stream to all who will accept it, and there is no selfishness in the one who receives it. Are you a pilgrim, who is better known as a Christian? How will the world know it, but by you demonstrating your love in word and deed?

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This letter was written by Elder Kevin Santucci

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry when we shall look at, The Final Steps of Jesus (Part 7) Come with me to Gethsemane

Song of the day

Click:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CobNWUXb1M

Ø Today is praying time, pray for someone in your community today.

If possible, share with us your response.

Our Prayer for today:

Father forgive us of our lack of love for your children, but help us to do better from this day froth, in Jesus name Amen.

Prayer Request

Community / International Prayer

None:

Around the world:

None:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Remember that the true meaning of ASAP: "Always Say a Prayer"

A person, who loves the Bible, will also love to pray, and a person who loves to pray will delight themselves in the Bible.

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