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NASB | John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 13:35 "By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another." |
Bible Question:
In some ways John 13:35 seems to be a proof text for our faith. Jesus seems to be saying the fact that we love one another is proof we are his disciples. What when we do not show love for one another? Does that prove we are not his disciples? What when other groups, un-believers, non-believers, show love for one another? The previous verse is a commandment that we love one another, and Jesus seemed to be counting on the fact we would. One wonders what all men would know if we didn't. Jesus prayed, "That they all may be one ...: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me...; that they may be one, even as we are one:..., that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me". One wonders whether God would have to go to some other proofs, depending on our behavior. The Muslims and the Moonies think he did. |
Bible Answer: Greetings Aixen7z4! There are a number of 'hard sayings' of Jesus which are difficult for us to swallow today. This would definitely qualify as one of those hard sayings. Yet, I believe it is absolutely true. 1 John 3:14 affirms the same truth: "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death." If we have been regenerated and have passed from death to life, we will love one another. Those who don't love, are not regenerated! As far as the world is concerned, I would argue that the 'love' they know apart from Christ is not the same kind of 'love' that Christ is commanding us to have for one another. (See 1 Cor. 13) :-) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |