Philemon 4-5  Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, “Oh, thank you, God!” I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. The Message

What a testimony!  Think of inspiring joy and thanksgiving in others because of our love and faith in Jesus – and that faith and love overflow to those around us.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if those who knew us could write such a declaration describing us?!!  The issue isn’t recognition but one of acknowledgement of the reality of Christ’s love worked out in our lives.

Who are the Christians in our lives who really are a blessing to us and to others?  Take a moment and see who comes to mind; whose lives fulfill such a description.  Does the mere thought of them bring a smile to your face and a heartfelt gratitude that they are in your life?

Now think of the joy if others think of us and react with an, “Oh, thank you God!”  Believe it or not, that is the destiny that the Lord has for each of us!  In John 13:35 Jesus describes how disciples that are truly His will be recognized,

“This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples —when they see the love you have for each other.”

 It’s not by our verbal testimony – nor by attending meetings or being part of a recognizable “Christian” group.  It is by our love for one another that all will recognize His disciples. And the quality of this love is to be the highest imaginable! In the verse preceding this Jesus describes this love:  “In the same way I loved you, you love one another.”

Instead of being overwhelmed with the thought of “How on earth do we ever do that?” our response should be closer to giddy excitement that our God enables us to love each other just as Jesus did!  This is our destiny – we get to do this!  And when we do, others will know that we belong to Jesus.  It’s all about Him.