“A new command I give you: 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.”    John 13:35

I love crime dramas. As the viewer, I am drawn in by the details of each case trying to figure out what really happened – whodunnit?

In court, the prosecutor always has the burden of proof, proving who is guilty. To do this, circumstantial evidence is collected that leads jurors to a compelling conclusion of guilt. An eyewitness who places the defendant at the scene of the crime, fingerprints, audio recordings of threats, harassing emails or texts are all examples of circumstantial evidence. When this type of evidence is used, one piece of evidence is not enough to convict someone. Remember, guilt beyond a reasonable doubt must be established. The more evidence the better, sealing the defendant’s fate. 

If I were to stand trial for being a Christian, I wonder if there would be enough evidence to find me guilty. How would this be measured? What kind of circumstantial evidence would there be to convince jurors that I am a Christian? 

In the 1960’s, a hymn was written titled They’ll Know We Are Christians By Our Love. It is based on John 13:34-35. In those verses, Jesus gives the command to love one another. He goes on to say that people will know His disciples by their love for one another. 

They will know we are Christians by our love … 

We are commanded to love one another. Period. End of sentence.

Love unconditionally. The way we are loved by God. (Yes, He loves us even when we are unlovable and don’t deserve it.)

Not – Love one another unless you are …

            … cut off in traffic

            … cheated 

            … deceived 

            … put down

            … unappreciated or underappreciated 

            … mistreated

The list goes on and on – doesn’t it?

Thank goodness, I have never been on trial; however, when I get to Heaven, I know I am accountable for how I live. I want to live each day so that there is insurmountable evidence to convict me of being a Christian by my demonstration of love for others.

Who will be on the list of eyewitnesses? Those who have seen me express love.

Will there be a paper trail or eTrail? My words recorded in cards, emails, and texts that lift up others.

Can my fingerprints be found where I have shown love? My touch documented in service of love to the church and in acts of love in our community.

In those crime dramas, evidence is presented at court that takes the defendant by surprise and shocks the gallery. I imagine this is the same with examples of how people know we are Christians. In those little moments and the everyday, ordinary way we carry and conduct ourselves, people recognize and later recollect what we do, where we go, and how we act – much to our surprise.

In the days, weeks, and years to come put love first. Show you are a Christian by your love, and you will be blessed in return. Guilty as charged!

Dear Lord, 

Thank you for loving me even when I am unlovable. In the drama of my life I need your help to show others the same love you extend to me. I pray today for love overflowing. I promise to show others I am a Christian beyond a reasonable doubt through my actions and my words. 

Amen.