Pray the Word with David Platt is a resource from radical.net.

John chapter 13, verses 34 and 35.

A new commandment I give to you that you love one another.

Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.

This is the distinguishing mark of a disciple of Jesus.

This is how people will know that we are followers of Jesus when they see our love for each other.

Now it's interesting. The first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

And then the second commandment, Jesus says, is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself.

So why does Jesus say here, this is the distinguishing mark of my disciples. They love one another.

Well, it makes sense, doesn't it? When we love God, when our hearts are attuned to him and his heart, then we will have his love for the people around us.

And we will love, just like Jesus said, just as he loves us, we will love one another.

And then that love will mark Christian community.

That love will mark the church and be a testimony to a watching world.

Yet I fear, I'm guessing you might fear the same thing,

that oftentimes that's not the testimony that we and the church give to the world around us.

It's this love and care and compassion for one another, this serving one another,

just like we see in John 13 as Jesus stooped to wash his disciples' feet.

So, oh, don't we need to pray for this? In our relationships, specifically our

Christian relationships in the church, God, please help us to love each other as you have called

us to love. Jesus, as you have shown us how to love. help us to serve each other.

And I think about the church I'm a part of as others think about their churches.

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