So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
(John 13:34–35)
Before Andrew Jackson became the seventh president of the United States, he served as a major general in the Tennessee militia. During the War of 1812 his troops reached an all-time low in morale. As a result, they began arguing, bickering, and fighting among themselves. It is reported that Old Hickory called them all together on one occasion when tensions were at their worst and said, “Gentlemen! Let’s remember, the enemy is over there!”
His sobering reminder would be an appropriate word for the church today. In fact, I wonder if Christ sometimes looks down at us and says with a sigh, “Christians, your Enemy is over there! Stop your infighting! Pull for one another. Support one another. Believe in one another. Care for one another. Pray for one another. Love one another.”
One of the most profound comments made regarding the early church came from the lips of a man named Aristides, sent by the Emperor Hadrian to spy out those strange creatures known as “Christians.” Having seen them in action, Aristides returned with a mixed report. But his immortal words to the emperor have echoed down through history: “Behold! How they love one another.”
How often do we hear such words today from those who don’t know Christ but who have watched those of us who do? This is the generation that has given new meaning to the shameful practice of brother-bashing and sister-smashing. You would think we were enemies rather than members of the same family. Something is wrong with this picture. The mark of the Christian should be a spirit of unity and genuine love for others, but the church today rarely demonstrates those qualities.
It’s easy to love Christ for all he is, for all He’s done. It’s not so easy, however, to love other Christians. Yet that is the command we have been given.
A Prayer for Hope Beyond Division
Forgive us, oh, forgive us, our Father, for the hours we have spent in the wasteland of malice and guile, hypocrisy and envy and slander. Show us the joy of kindness, the long-lasting benefits of unity, grace, and support. Most of all, Lord, make us like Your Son. Kind. Meek. Humble. Gracious. May we grow up into His kindness, may we model His meekness, may we walk with His humility. May we reflect His grace so that others gain new hope. Through Christ, who prayed for our unity. Amen