“For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (1 John 3:11 ESV)
Christians are not immune to relational tension and interpersonal conflict. While those united to Christ have been regenerated and are distinct from the world, they still struggle with the lingering effects of a fallen nature. Christians daily have to ask forgiveness from one another because they speak and act harshly on a regular basis.
Nevertheless, there is a unique love for one another that marks the Christian life. While it is true that we will never perfectly love each other in this life, and we regularly put ourselves before others, the Spirit who made us spiritually alive and indwells each believer progressively changes us to more closely reflect the image of Christ. There is evidence, as dim as it may be at times, that we are not of the world.
John identifies this foundational love as a central characteristic of the Christian life. He just finished teaching that our conduct is evidence of our redemption (v. 10) and that the practice of righteousness displays our new identity to the world. In a similar way, in verse 11, he reiterates the words of Jesus: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Christ commands us to love one another, and by obeying that command, we show “all” that we are his disciples.
In missions, team conflict on the field is a recurring issue. Different expectations, personalities, and priorities all invite disunity, and often there are genuinely difficult circumstances that fellow gospel workers must work through. Fruitful, long-term ministry requires profound patience, long-suffering, and believing the best about each other. Failure to do this can result in missionaries leaving the field, spiritual exhaustion, or any number of other issues.
There is no easy solution to this problem, but there is a simple one—we should love one another. Loving one another as Christ loves us is the answer to the problems caused by our sinful ways of thinking and acting. It does not mean ignoring real issues or sweeping sin under the rug but laying down our preferences in deference to one another. As the apostle Peter says, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
The business of the world is dominated by pride, one-upmanship, and a willingness to sacrifice the reputation and wellbeing of others to climb the ladder of success. While there may be pleasantries exchanged, real love for one another is all but absent. But those who bear the name of Christ are called to “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10).
To do so is a powerful witness to the world. The willingness to put yourself in a lowly position and give up what you might gain in order to lift up your brothers and sisters in Christ is something the world cannot understand, and unbelievers often become curious about such counter-intuitive behavior. Selfishness is so ingrained into the bloodstream of fallen humanity that the expression of genuine love often stops those of the world dead in their tracks.
As believers are commanded to practice righteousness as a witness to their new identity in Christ, so they are commanded to love one another for the same reason. Loving one another does not just serve one another but the mission of Christ. Loving one another tells the world that we belong to a different master—a master who laid down his life for us. In response to such an immeasurable gift, we lay down our lives for one another through the practice of sacrificial love.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us and giving your Son for us. In response to this love, help us to love one another as an expression of thankfulness to you. As we love our fellow believers, may it demonstrate to the world our identity as servants of Jesus Christ.
In his name, amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Tuesday: Pray for missionaries working with the Iquitos Deaf Ministry in Peru.
- Wednesday: Pray for literacy ministry in The Gambia.
- Thursday: Pray for missionaries working with survivors of sexual exploitation in the Czech Republic.
- Friday: Pray for Santiago Christian Academy in Chile.
- Saturday: Pray for missionaries working in remote areas of Mongolia.
- Sunday: Pray for missionaries working among unreached people groups in the 10/40 window.
- Monday: Pray for missionaries serving in Uganda.
Featured Opportunity to Serve:
Operating Room Manager
Location: Togo
We are looking for a registered nurse with at least two years of operating room experience to manage the operating room at the Hospital of Hope in Togo, Africa.
