This beloved hymn, “They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love” or “We Are One in the Spirit” was written in the 1960s by Catholic priest Fr. Peter Scholtes and has since been adapted by numerous Christian artists, including Jars of Clay, Rebecca St. James, and For King & Country. This song has been looping in my mind and heart for a while and I know Holy Spirit has been leading me to talk about it in this blog post. Jesus said it first in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”.

For the past couple of years, I have noticed less Christian love being shown by some within the Church. This is an incredibly sad statement, but it has been my personal observation. It has become common place for even well-meaning Christians to behave in ways that appear aggressive and judgmental to those outside the Church. We must always remember that those who don’t know Jesus and have little Biblical knowledge, don’t share our beliefs. Attempting to impose those beliefs on those outside the church has little chance of leading anyone to Jesus. Jesus is, and should always be, the only example we follow, both in word and deed. Let Jesus – let Love lead the way in every situation, with every person we have even the smallest interaction with.

In Mark 12:28-31 Jesus is asked which commandment is the most important. In other words, where should our focus be:

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Our children and grandchildren see everything we do and hear everything we say. It is our responsibility to take this into consideration and to give them the opportunity to see Christian love flowing through us. Our witness for Jesus starts with our family and then extends into our community. What does the Bible say about this? What does it look like to show love and concern for others? These verses from Isaiah and Matthew address this issue:

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

It’s time for the Church to refocus on Christian love. A former beloved Pastor of mine often said, “They don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” When you are out shopping and celebrating during this Christmas season, be open to engaging with people who are not like you. Ask them about themselves, their families, what’s important to them. When I have done this, I have discovered that we have far more in common than what separates us. Every person on this planet has a deep desire to be loved and accepted for who they are. This is one way of extending Christian love to everyone the Father may put in your path.

As you gather with your loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, I pray your gathering will be blessed with His Peace and Love.

Until next time, God bless you!

Virginia

Virginia Finnie is the author of Hey Warrior Kids! Grab Your Slingshot!, Hey Warrior Kids! Put On Your Armor!, and It’s a Super-Bad Terrible Day!. Follow Children’s Books by Virginia Finnie for daily inspirational posts. https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensBooksbyVirginiaFinnie