“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35 NIV

The early Christians were frequently mocked by pagans because they were recognized as truly having love for each other. The pagan mind could not comprehend people being in harmony and unity without any expression of selfish behavior. Christian gatherings were often falsely accused of having only sexual purposes, because that was the limit of heathenism’s understanding of love.

True love is a character quality that exudes in kindness, patience, and goodwill. Love for another does not mean false accusations, selfish boasting, or vengeful anger. 1 Corinthians 13:6 adds that “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth” (NIV) because it causes one to be considerate of the person and the circumstances before blindly grabbing a pitch fork and joining the village vigilantes.

Having love for one another marks a person independent of world thinking because it is a fruit born from a relationship with the God, whom Scripture declares, “is love” (1 John 4:8).