Thoughts of the Day on Thursdays this month are part of a special series in Epiphanytide where members of our congregation share stories of their own Epiphany moments.
Today’s reflection is by Tim Ralph.
Thursday, January 14
They Will Know We are Christians By Our Love
Though I was raised in the Anglican tradition, like many teens in the 1970’s and 1980’s, my early Christian formation occurred in several different community church youth groups. Not really understanding the differences between churches such as Anglican, United, Lutheran and Presbyterian, my friends and I attended where we felt the most welcome, where we knew something fun was planned and where we felt our service was deemed useful. I believe these continue to be important characteristics of successful church communities.
At that time, music, often sung at evening vespers or during youth retreats also made its mark on me and helped to forge a path for me towards my own understanding of my role in the church and is it fair to say – a deeper understanding of God.
One of many songs that I carry with me from those days is “They Will Know We are Christians by Our Love.” (Feel free to have a listen by clicking this song title).
The lyrics of this song find their origins in the Gospel of John 13:34-35. While speaking to the Disciples during the Last Supper, Jesus gave them a new command. “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This verse, and the song based on it, continue to have a hold on me. I believe it provides answers to questions, such as “How do we identify ourselves as Christians?”, to the broader community?
As the pandemic continues and our bubbles become smaller, we will likely see more and more people lose their community connectedness, fall into poverty or be disadvantaged by systems already geared against them. What is our role as Christians in this time? How can we support and build bridges for those left behind? For me, one answer is ‘They’ll know we are Christians by our love.’
As a Christian raised in the church, I continue to find great satisfaction in service and gratitude. Being able to serve those in our community is how I demonstrate my faith.
During the dark evening of the Last Supper, Jesus explained to the disciples that when he was gone, the world would know that they were a disciple not by a uniform or badge or t-shirt, but rather by their love for one another and for others – by what they did for one another.
I acknowledge that we each approach our faith in different ways. Some of us are thinkers, some are teachers, some leaders and others communicators. My faith has always been geared to doing. I can’t help, but think though, that regardless of our strengths, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
Our prayer comes in the form of song:
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord;
And we pray that all unity will one day be restored.
Chorus: And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;
And together we’ll spread the news that God is in our land.
We Will work with each other, we will work side by side;
We will work with each other, we will work side by side;
And we’ll guard each man’s dignity and save each man’s pride.
All praise to the Father, from whom all things come;
And all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son.
And all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.
Amen.
Copyright: Words: 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company (Admin. by Lorenz Corporation), Music: 1966 F.E.L. Publications. Assigned 1991 Lorenz Publishing Company (Admin. by Lorenz Corporation)