Theme: DEMANDS OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP
A disciple is a follower or believer in the ideals and principles of somebody. As Christians, we are disciples or followers of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). We believe and identify with the teachings of the man sent by God into this sinful world for the salvation of man. – John 10:27-29.
Therefore, to enable us get salvation or eternal life at the end, there is need to prove ourselves as true disciples of Jesus Christ by being practical Christians and not Christians by lips.
In this regard, we will be reflecting on those qualities or virtues that Jesus Christ taught by precepts and examples which we are expected to cultivate, imbibe and exhibit so as to live up to expectation as his true disciples by God’s grace.
Text: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:34,35.
Comment: Love is one of the attributes of God Almighty by which He sent His Son Jesus Christ into this world for man’s ultimate good. (1 John 4:7,8; John 3:16,17) While on earth, our Saviour taught and practised this virtue to the greatest degree. He also made it clear that one of the distinguishing features of his disciples is love.
Jesus Christ himself demonstrated love when he laid down his life for us. “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” – John 15:12-14.
St. Paul states: “Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 American Standard Version) Again, St. Paul said that the person who has love will be able to guard against anything that will hurt his fellow man and by so doing fulfill the laws of God. – Romans 13:8-10.