Love as a Mark of a True Believer

Love as a Mark of a True Believer | Devotional

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35

If God lives in you, if you share His life, you will also love, because “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

This is not just a responsibility; it is evidence of God’s presence and your changed life. It is impossible for a true believer not to love other believers.

The apostle Peter added, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22).

That is characteristic of a true believer—it is who you are: you obeyed the truth, your soul was cleansed, and that produced a genuine love for the brethren.

If you don’t have a love for God’s people, for the members of your new family in Christ, that’s clear evidence you’re still a product of your sinful self, separated from the life and love of God.

If you are a true Christian, the proof will be in your love. Though it will be an imperfect effort, you’ll do everything in your power to exhibit a heart of love, not of hatred.

Your desire will be to serve others, not make demands on them; to help others, not harm them; to encourage others, not tear them down; to love others as you love yourself and as God your Creator loves you—a love so total and complete that He sacrificed His only Son that you might live and love forever.

How have other believers shown God’s love toward you?