The ring was special! It signified she belonged to a group of professionals. As she wore it she was aware of all it represented and of who it said she was. As a follower of Jesus you wear a distinguishing mark as well. You wear His love. Is it visible?

When Jesus came to this earth He brought a special kind of love. This love is unselfish, compassionate, unconditional. He loves us just as we are. Our condition is irrelevant to His love. It is a love that picks us up just where we are in life and carries us further than we could ever go on our own.

Jesus gives us His love so we can give it away in the same unselfish, compassionate, unconditional way He gave it to us. He tells us this kind of love will be our trademark. It will distinguish us as followers of Jesus.

Even in the Church, the Family of God, or as it’s sometimes called, the Body of Christ, we can feel left out of this kind of love. We are often hurt, wounded and worn. This distinguishing mark as His followers sometimes seems missing. Hurting people hurt people. When we are living with hurt we in turn limit this love in our own outpouring.

As we invite Jesus to pour His love into our own wounded souls, we in turn are able to give His love away to others with a generous heart.

Father God, thank you for your generous love to me. Thank you that you see the abundance in me rather than all the shortfalls I have. You fill me up. Help me to offer that same gracious love to those I mingle with today. Pour your love into my heart so I can give it away. May my distinguishing mark be your love. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Going Deeper — If you carry wounds within your soul that keep love at bay in your life, talk to a mentor who will pray with you. Jesus can bring healing, hope and a fresh display of His love through you.

Further Reading: The Hurting Church: Why We Get Hurt and Hurt others



Tags: The Body John 13