Let's Go Back to the Bible

THE identifying mark of Christians

So, what is THE characteristic that makes a Christian stand out from everyone else? Above everything else, what is THE one piece of evidence by which a person could be identified as a Christian? Is it his devotion to sound doctrine  and pure, unadulterated truth? Is it his ability to quote Scripture upon Scripture? Is it her faithful, uncompromising attendance at every Bible class and worship assembly? No, it is not any of these things or even all of them combined!

Jesus made it abundantly clear: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). There it is! He didn’t use any hard words or confusing sentence structure! He laid it out plain and simple! I must possess and demonstrate agape love for my brethren (in word and deed, 1 John 3:18), or I cannot be identified as one of Jesus’ disciples!

Do I comfort, encourage, admonish, serve, care for, pray for, give to and bear the burdens of my brethren? Am I kind, forgiving, humble, compassionate and hospitable? Am I a Christian?