October 28, 2026
During His final evening with the disciples, Jesus gives them a new commandment to love one another as He has loved them. Their love is to become the identifying characteristic of their discipleship. Jesus is preparing them for His departure and reminding them that their relationships with one another will demonstrate to the world what it means to belong to Him.
Devotional
Every church has something that makes it recognizable. Some are known for beautiful music. Others have strong children's programs, wonderful fellowship meals, or a long history of serving their communities. These are good things, and we ought to be grateful for the gifts God has given our congregations.
But Jesus identifies something even more important.
On the night before His crucifixion, He tells the disciples that people will recognize them as His followers by the love they have for one another. He doesn't say they'll be known by the size of their congregation, the beauty of their building, or the number of programs they offer. He points to the way His followers treat each other.
Think about the setting in which Jesus gives this command. The disciples are gathered for what will be their final meal together before His arrest. Jesus knows what's coming. He knows their fear and confusion will soon test everything they've learned. And earlier that evening, He has washed their feet, taking the position of a servant.
When He tells them to love as He has loved them, they have already seen what that love looks like.
It is humble, generous, patient, and willing to serve.
Churches don't always get this right. We disagree over decisions, become frustrated with one another, and sometimes allow small problems to grow into larger conflicts. We're human, and being part of a congregation doesn't automatically remove our shortcomings.
But the Church should be a place where grace is practiced as well as preached.
When someone makes a mistake, we can respond with patience rather than humiliation. When disagreements arise, we can listen instead of immediately assuming the worst. When a person is hurting, we can offer support without making them explain why they deserve it.
Those choices matter because people are paying attention.
Someone who has been wounded by a church may be watching to see whether Christians really practice the love they talk about. Someone who has never attended worship may be wondering whether there's a place where they can belong. We can't control everything others think about Christianity. But we can ask God to help us become the kind of people whose lives make His love easier to recognize.
The world doesn't need a perfect Church. It needs a Church willing to be shaped by the perfect love of Christ.
Action
Think about your relationships within the church. Is there someone you need to encourage, forgive, thank, or listen to more carefully? Take one intentional step toward strengthening that relationship, remembering that the love we show one another is part of our witness to Christ.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us what genuine love looks like through Your life and sacrifice. Forgive us for the times we've allowed pride, impatience, or disagreement to damage our relationships. Help our churches become places where grace is practiced, where people are treated with dignity, and where Your love is evident in ordinary interactions. Teach us to serve one another with humility so that others may recognize Your presence among us. In Your holy name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
The love we show one another tells people something about the Jesus we follow.
What should people notice first about a church? Jesus says His followers will be recognized by their love for one another. Programs and buildings have their place, but our relationships reveal something deeper.
