Guilty!

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:35

 

 

Since we defined true spiritual maturity as being able to receive and show God’s love then it stands to reason that spiritual maturity is the proof of your salvation.

There used to be a challenge that went something like this:

If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Well, perhaps the irrefutable evidence that could be presented to a jury of your peers in such a case would be how you loved others.

Of course I am not talking about the kind of love someone expresses for ice cream, roller coaster rides or days off from work but that love shown by the Father through His Son Jesus Christ.

I note the fact that today’s scripture says the word ‘everyone’.

In other words both friend and enemy alike recognize that love.

Those who know you in public and those who see your behavior behind closed doors could be called as witnesses and give the same testimony concerning you!

That’ll win a conviction every time!

Don’t expect to win a conviction by convincing others of how many scriptures you have memorized, the amount of your check to charities or the fact that you have attended church for 60+ years.

As admirable as those things might be, those arguments will end in acquittal.

Go into court with the smoking gun, so to speak.

 Let the witnesses say of you:

How he loves the Lord and everyone God brings into his path.

The jury will reach their verdict:

Guilty of being a true disciple of Jesus Christ!