Jesus-Christian

Years ago, when I was teaching in a Roman Catholic school, each class was responsible for hosting several school Masses each year.  They would select the readings, write the prayers and intentions, and choose the hymns we'd sing.  One song was a particular favorite of the students; we'd sing it again and again.  The song was called "They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love." (Jason Upton)

The song is based on John 13: 34-35, I believe.  In this chapter, the Apostles are preparing for Passover.  Jesus washes their feet and predicts his betrayal.  He tells them that is time is growing short and stresses the importance of his central teaching:

"A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

 Love is the commandment of Jesus.  We cannot follow him or profess to be truly Christian if we do not love each other, friends and enemies alike.  Note that he says that everyone will recognize us as Christians not by our words, not by our rituals, not by our affiliation but by one sign: that we love one another.  

It's not enough to talk love.  We have to act love.  We have to BE love.  That doesn't mean we have to be mealy-mouthed wimps; Jesus certainly wasn't.  But we have to live in a place of love and act from it.  When we are united to Christ in Love, we will speak truth, but  even our disagreements and conflicts will be marked by respect and caring for the others involved.  

As Christians, we will not turn a blind eye to the sufferings and needs of others, but we will reach out to them without strings.  We will not seek to control them or limit them, but respect their free will even as they exercise it in ways that are not in keeping with our faith. 

Jesus teaches us a love that does not seek to control others but to draw them from the sheer power of the Love that directs our words and actions.  It is a far cry from much of the 'love' and Paulianity-Christianity we see demonstrated around us, but that very difference is our strength.  They will know we are Christians, indeed, by our love.