Love One Another.

Our love for one another - in the context of the church - is the telltale sign of our salvation, it is the evidence of our being disciples of Jesus Christ.  John said in I John 3:14, "We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.  Whoever does not love abides in death.

The love of the early church for one another provided a sweet, inner self-authentication that  that gave assurance to their standing before God.  Their love also announced to the world that their faith was real as noted in John 13:35, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Christians are to practice brotherly love.  Inwardly, this requires that we consider the implications of our shared adoption; we truly are brothers and sisters in Christ, and those terms are more than sentimental notions.  They are objective facts demonstrated by active watch-care over each other and by serving needs within our faith community as they arise.

It is a cliché to many, but to those truly in the faith, the saying "we are family" is a genuine reality.  We are family and we will remain brothers and sisters even after the earth melts away and the sun is no more.  So let us please The Father by dwelling together now - in unity and love.  Our status as family in Christ is truly an eternal bond to be treasured and protected.  We must will to say and to do only those things that enhance our love for one another for the sake of the Gospel.

Christian love is not an option - Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another, that your joy may be full."