"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35 (ESV)
What makes a Christian a Christian? I suppose that you might get different answers depending on who you ask. Perhaps a more interesting question is: how would you know a Christian if you saw one? Some folks wear cross necklaces or crucifixes. Some people wear shirts or clothing emblazoned with Bible verses or images of Jesus (or at least images of what American Christianity perceives Jesus).
How do you think a person who isn't a Christian identifies Christians? What's the first thing that pops into their heads when they think "Christian?" Let me tell you, it's often not pretty. Perusing social media, the internet, or just getting out on the street and talking to people paints an unflattering picture of how non-Christians view Christians. Some adjectives you'll often see or hear: intolerant, stuck up, haughty, judgmental, angry, hypocritical, resentful, old fashioned, boring...the list goes on. If you're a Christian reading this, do you really want to be associated with these words? Well, some of you probably do because these adjectives are a result of the way modern, American Christianity has sought to set itself not only apart from, but above the world around us. This yields two consequences. First it gives "us" a massive superiority complex. Second, it makes "them" skeptical and elicits the descriptors listed above.
Well, in the Gospel of John, Jesus has a very plain idea of how we should be identifiable both to non-Christians and other Christians alike. "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." There's a couple of things to notice here. First off, this isn't a mere suggestion that Jesus is passing on. The Greek word used here for "commandment" is "ἐντολὴν" which not only suggests a single new religious principle, but can also contain the entire essence of religious principle. In short, this new commandment isn't "a big deal," it's "THE big deal." The kind of love Christ then commands us to give one another is the kind of love that he showed us, the example that he set as he lived here among us.
Think about that for a minute. What was the love that Christ showed? How we do see that in his actions? The love of Christ saved an adulteress from being executed. The love of Christ healed the servant of a Roman soldier, which the local population could not have been thrilled about. The love of Christ compelled him to hang about with dirty fishermen, working men and women, tax collectors, and prostitutes. The love of Christ was given to the poor, the prisoners, and the marginalized of society. It wasn't reserved for those of a particular race, gender, or creed.
If Jesus were to walk among us today and exhibit this love, do you think people would use those words above (intolerant, stuck up, angry etc) to describe him? Not likely. So what does that say about us as Christians? Are we getting it all wrong?
I think we often get it wrong. I know I do. Following Christ isn't about sitting in your pew every Sunday. Following Christ isn't about making sure you check off all the correct boxes on the orthodoxy checklist. It's certainly not about enforcing your particular view of issues and orthodoxy on other people. Following Christ is about being ALIVE in the same kind of love that he showed toward us, in gratitude for the love and the grace that he gave us. Being alive in His love means doing the same as He did. We should be out helping others, and not just others who agree with us or who are in the same economic/social class that we are. We shouldn't be wanting to avoid others who are less fortunate. Sometimes we do this because it makes us uncomfortable. Sometimes we do it because we buy into some warped version of reality that suggests that anyone who needs help, is hungry, or is less fortunate is that way because they're lazy. That's not true nearly as often as you think it might is, and if it is, are we not called to love them and be an example of Christ to them as well?
Loving others as Christ has loved us isn't easy. It's not always comfortable. Christ challenges us to deal with some of our most deeply held prejudices. Rooting out, exposing, and ridding ourselves of these prejudices not only brings us closer to the example that Christ set for us, but it can really make the world a better place.
In the end the goal is to have people describe us Christians as "loving, accepting, serving, and giving." Jesus says that by exhibiting this love, people will know that we are his disciples. Christ is for us, and for everyone. His love is for all, and ours should be as well. Being alive in this love is a process, but I believe it's a process worth going through. Join me in starting small. Think of a couple of ways that you can give to others, show love and acceptance to others. If Christians rededicated themselves to this, then the power of Christ through us, his hands and feet, can transform the world. Let's try it out!
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