As God would have it, I read this excerpt today, the very morning that we’re reading John 17.
Do you know what the Bible says is the mark of a Christian? Is it our view on abortion or homosexuality? Is it our involvement in a Bible-believing church? Is it our doctrinal stance on salvation?
No. What arrests people, what causes us to stand out from the world, is not our convictions, as important as those may be, it is love.
When we can live a life of love, the world sits up and takes notice. When we can overcome our differences, when we can cross the lines of denomination, race, and culture and truly love each other, the world thinks, Maybe there really is something to Christianity.
Jesus prayed, in His last prayer for us on earth:
May they be brought to complete unity
to let the world know that you sent me
and have loved them even as you have loved me.
(John 17:23)
Francis Schaeffer explained in The Mark of a Christian that if we really love each other, the world is drawn to Christ. But if we don't, the world dismisses us as just another club.
from Falling in Love with Jesus
by Dee Brestin & Kathy Troccoli
Answer John 17 questions
