As I write this monthly letter to you, I am seated in a library of Christian books and DVDs nestled inside the cozy confines of a church in Texas. Great titles surround me – like The Revelation of Jesus Christ by John Walvoord, Beth Moore’s Believing God, and Reasons for Believing by Frank Harber.
Sadly, most people I interact with today aren’t going to read these amazing books. Some don’t know they exist, and others simply wouldn’t venture into a church to check them out. So how can these “others” know what it means to be saved? Like the guy at the Starbucks window who made my decaf mocha- or the lady at Sam’s Club who offered to help me take my cart to the car. How can they learn about God? How can I share about the great gift of salvation I’ve been given?
As usual, Jesus gave the best answer to these questions centuries before you and I were ever born. Take a look at His suggestion in several different versions of Scripture:
New International Version (© 1984)
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
New Living Translation (© 2007)
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
New American Standard Bible (© 1995)
“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
International Standard Version (© 2008)
“This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Aramaic Bible in Plain English (© 2010)
“Every person will know by this that you are my disciples, if you shall have love one to the other.”
GOD’S WORD® Translation (© 1995)
“Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other.”
No matter what the version, the message is the same: people need to see the love of Jesus through our day-to-day interactions! Friends, I am becoming more and more convinced that sharing our faith is this simple. No tracts, books, DVDs or sermons are necessary! Sure, these extra texts and tools are awesome, but it’s the straightforward love of the Lord we share with one another that points directly to Him! Like the old Sunday School song reframes it: “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love-They will know we are Christians by our love.”
So, let’s get out and do just that today. Love your brothers and sisters in the Lord-because that’s a fantastic witness to everyone around you! Speak respectfully to the people you meet, whether at the fast food window or in the bank or to the telephone marketer who may be interrupting dinner. Be kind and gentle with neighbors, strangers, and even that cranky driver who just cut into your lane. Why?
Because Jesus said so. Because this is the way others will know you are saved!
May this summer be a time of great blessing for you
and your family. All of us at Sonkist Ministries have you in our prayers!
Thought of the Month
Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters, fear God, and respect the king.
I Peter 2:17 (New Living Translation)