We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that our unity will one day be restored
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah they’ll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride
And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yeah, they’ll know we are Christians by our love…

Songwriters: Peter Scholtes

I grew up going to church camp singing this song which brings back many memories of childhood thinking and wondering.  Yes, I was that child, the one who was quietly observing people while figuring out who was actually authentic, who was behaving like they said they believed.  I also wondered if the words of this song were all it took for people to know whose side we were on, who we worshiped as God alone, and what we stood for when hard-pressed in troubles.  Or is it who we think about most and enthusiastically talk about even more?

How will the world really know?

Years later, after many growing experiences with unbelievers and believers, I have learned that our first thought tells the state of our souls.  Is our first thought love, care, concern, assuming the best in others, cheerleading the troubled and applauding those who are achieving?  All these attitudes come from the work Jesus modeled for us when He walked the earth.  John has picked up the habits of Jesus and His love expressed and has become the pastor of other pastors in his writings inspired by God.  We love John.  We love what he has to say.  We love God because of all that John says about the love of God for us.  Extreme Love.  Relentless and unlimited love. 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”  1 John 4:7-8

As we wrap up our time with John, let’s reflect on what we have learned…

God’s love is unconditional.  Are we unconditional with our love?

God’s love comforts and cares for all people.  Is our love expressed like Jesus modeled for us?

God’s love encourages, is not haughty or proud, and is full of joy when his children grow in His love for others.  Do we love it when others blossom in God’s love and in doing well?

To know real love is to know God.  If we don’t know Love, we don’t know God.  How deep is my love for God?  Am I growing?  

Our behaviors will always reflect to the world to whom we belong.

And they’ll know…

JOHN—GOD AND LOVE

3 John 1, The Message

^1-4 The Pastor, to my good friend Gaius: How truly I love you! We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! I was most happy when some friends arrived and brought the news that you persist in following the way of Truth. Nothing could make me happier than getting reports that my children continue diligently in the way of Truth!

Model the Good

^5-8 Dear friend, when you extend hospitality to Christian brothers and sisters, even when they are strangers, you make the faith visible. They’ve made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love. It’s good work you’re doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself! They set out under the banner of the Name, and get no help from unbelievers. So they deserve any support we can give them. In providing meals and a bed, we become their companions in spreading the Truth.

^9-10 Earlier I wrote something along this line to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves being in charge, denigrates my counsel. If I come, you can be sure I’ll hold him to account for spreading vicious rumors about us.

As if that weren’t bad enough, he not only refuses hospitality to traveling Christians but tries to stop others from welcoming them. Worse yet, instead of inviting them in he throws them out.

¹¹ Friend, don’t go along with evil. Model the good. The person who does good does God’s work. The person who does evil falsifies God, doesn’t know the first thing about God.

¹² Everyone has a good word for Demetrius—the Truth itself stands up for Demetrius! We concur, and you know we don’t hand out endorsements lightly.

^13-14 I have a lot more things to tell you, but I’d rather not use pen and ink. I hope to be there soon in person and have a heart-to-heart talk.

Peace to you. The friends here say hello. Greet our friends there by name.

Lord,

I love you with all my heart, all my mind and all my soul.  To you be the glory for all the good that you have produced in me.  I cannot do life without you. You are love.  I love because your love is in me.  Help me to love like you love.  Help me model the Good.

In Jesus Name, For Your Glory, Amen