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The Mark of a Disciple

What is the mark of a disciple? If you could summarize how disciples of Christ are to be known what would you say?

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34, 35 NIV)

Jesus gave this new command to his disciples, this was how people would know they were his disciples; love. One thing I want our kids to know is that they are loved.
Here are a couple of thoughts about love.

1. Love is a Sacrifice
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. (John 15:13 NIV)
In love their is sacrifice. There are times where you will to give until it hurts. It could be finances, time or energy. When you love you are willing to sacrifice.

2. Love is Sincere
Love must be sincere. (Romans 12:9 NIV)
Don't give love to get back in return. Love because you love!
People, in particular kids, can tell when someone is not sincere. If we love, we have to be sincere in all we do.

3. Love Honours
Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10 NIV)
Today Honour is a forgotten character trait. Australia is known for suffering from the Tall Poppy Syndrome. A new culture of Love, that includes Honour needs to promoted. Love honours!

4. Love is Passionate
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. (Romans 12:11 NIV)
There are no "have to"s when you are in love. Everything you do is because you want to!

5. Love is Joyful, Patient and Faithful
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12 NIV)
In love their is joy. No is attracted to sorrow, people are attracted to joy. Those who love who they are with, enjoy each other.
Love is patient, heard this before (1 Cor 13:4). Sometimes kids, and adults, push boundaries. Love is patient through this time.
Love is faithful. Those who love pray continually for their loved ones. Whether the prayer is for salvation, healing, provision or protection. Love is faithful.

5. Love is hospitable
Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12:13 NIV)
When you love, you will be hospitable, you will share. We will always have kids around us in need. Whether they need food, finances or a friend, someone who loves keeps their eyes open for opportunities to share. Love is hospitable.

The main thing Jesus said that would set his disciples apart would be by their love. Love for our family, friends and foes is the mark of a disciple of Jesus.

Keep loving!


Sent from Deano's iPhone

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