Signs and symptoms

(From Beacon's "Touchpaper" series)

How do people know who God's people are? Is it our avoidance of "unpalatable" TV shows? Is it because of how long we are known to spend on our quiet times? Or our regular church attendance on Sundays? Is it our strict adherence to the Highway Code when driving (hmmm...!)? Is it our clean speech? Because we don't get involved in office gossip? Because we don't get drunk? Or smoke? Or think most men's magazines these days are still porn in sheep's clothing? Or is it, perhaps, because we can't stop sharing the Gospel with the people around us?
Well, yes, there is truth to the above, but some non-Christians also go to church, and don't like swearing, and live "clean" lives. Some have even preached the Gospel and not actually been saved (sad but true...). So, I ask again: How do people know we're God's people?

Jesus, at the very last supper He was to have with His disciples before His arrest, torture, death and ultimate, glorious resurrection, shared a final exhortation to them. He said:
"...A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13.34-35)

Is there someone on their own in the church family this week? Someone you could share a meal with? Someone who would appreciate a bit of quality time, maybe just a phone call - "I've been thinking of you"? Or you could do their shopping for them? Or... or... the list is actually endless, really, isn't it? Right now, take a few seconds out and ask God to place someone on your heart that could do with a little TLC, a chat, an errand, an extra hand. The possibilities are endless. And, I guarantee, the God-honoured results even more so...
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