“But I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father” (John 14:21, NRSV).
This particular passage in John’s gospel is the most complete biblical explanation we have of the Holy Trinity. The close relationship that Jesus describes between himself, the Father, and the Holy Spirit is reminiscent of the Three Musketeers’ mantra—“One for all and all for one.” The love the members of the Trinity have for one another is strong. They have a singular purpose. They share the same hopes and dreams. Their hearts beat as one.
Sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Yet, what does the Trinity’s love for each other have to do with us? Everything.
Jesus claims that, as his followers, we are to obey his commands. The implication is that, as Christians, we are to love one another in ways that mimic the Father, Son, and Holy Spirits’ love for each other. The reason lies at the end of the chapter: “…so that the world may know” (John 14:31, NRSV). The principle is quite simple. As the Church, we love one another, so that others may come to know of God’s love for them.
Love is the most powerful witness. Tertullian, an author in the early church, reported that the Romans would say of Christians, “See how they love each other!” Love changed the Roman Empire, one person, one family, and one community at a time. The world hasn’t been the same since.
I often wonder if the reason for the decline in the mainline church has to do with the lack of love we demonstrate for one another. Every time we harshly criticize or gossip about a fellow Christian we are damaging our testimony to the world. Why would anyone in his right mind want to be part of an organization that chews up and spits out its own members?
There’s a song in the Emmaus Community that is frequently sung that, in part, proclaims:
Love, love, love, love,
The gospel in one word is love
Love your neighbor as your sister,
Love, love, love.
May these words long live true for every Jesus follower. You never know who may be watching us.