Jesus did not tell His disciples they would be known by their correct doctrine, their moral superiority, or their religious activities. The badge of Christian discipleship, the unmistakable mark that identifies Christ's followers, is love for one another. This love is not mere sentiment or affection based on compatibility. It is the sacrificial, others-centered love that mirrors Christ's own love—love that serves rather than demands, that gives rather than takes, that seeks the good of others even at cost to ourselves. When the world sees believers loving each other with this supernatural love, it witnesses something that cannot be explained by human nature alone.

Jesus demonstrated this love throughout His ministry. He washed His disciples' feet, taking the role of a servant though He was their Master (John 13:1-17). He wept with Mary and Martha at Lazarus' tomb, entering fully into their grief (John 11:35). He prepared breakfast for His disciples after His resurrection, serving those who had denied and abandoned Him (John 21:9-13). He prayed for His executioners from the cross: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). This was love in action—not theoretical or sentimental, but practical and sacrificial. The early church caught this vision and lived it out so powerfully that a pagan observer named Tertullian reported that unbelievers would exclaim in amazement, "See how these Christians love one another!" That same love, when genuine and consistent, still draws hearts to Christ today.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, let our love for one another be so genuine, so sacrificial, so supernatural that it becomes undeniable proof that we belong to You. Teach us to love as You loved us—with lives poured out for others. Amen.