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"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35, NIV)
Jesus commands us to love one another. He states that through this love, others will know that we are His. But, how do we love one another? How is this love evident to all that observe us? Service is the mechanism that enables our love to be revealed. Service defines a true Christian.
We sometimes confuse service for our local church as the only service we are obliged to give. But this love to others must transcend a Sunday-to-Sunday existence. Service to other believers is important and necessary. But we cannot neglect the world to preserve the church.
Christianity is no balancing act. It is a juggling act. We have the responsibility to make certain that our relationship with God is healthy and thriving. We have the responsibility to meet the needs of other believers. And we have the responsibility to share the gospel with unbelievers. Part of sharing the gospel entails exhibiting and delivering love to the unbeliever.
How did Paul successfully share the gospel with so many unbelievers? To the Jew, he was a Jew. To the weak, he was weak. He became all things to all men so that he might save some. That is love. We love when we sacrifice our time and goals to serve others.
* A disciple serves believers and unbelievers as a demonstration of the love of Christ.
Application - When have I last met the needs of an unbeliever? Which is more important to me: my comfort or service to someone else?
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