“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13: 35)

Jesus didn’t have a special insignia for his disciples. They weren’t recognized as part of his club through a secret handshake or some physical distinction of their hair, body, or dress. Jesus’s followers were known to be true disciples, true students of his teachings, by the love they expressed to one another.

This should be our goal as well. The signet we wear should never include behavior that excludes others or is rigid. Our mark of distinction should not be that we have more intellectual understanding than some other individual or more degrees after our name. The clear symbol of our true devotion is the manner and the extent of our love.

And as Jesus reminded us, when we love God supremely we are naturally able to love one another as well. And as this is a true love, reflected of divine Truth, it isn’t mere personal affection or an outward showing of niceness. It is a pure love containing all that God’s own love would require—mercy, tenderness, understanding, respect, honor, patience, helpfulness, and compassion.

This love must extend beyond those who are on our “team,” who believe just as we do. This spiritual love recognizes the principle that Jesus taught—that God is love and His children are beloved by Him. Therefore, all are lovable, worthy, and our very own brothers and sisters to cherish and appreciate. And by this genuine love we feel, we show the world that we are followers of the Christ, that active Spirit of God that is universal and perfect Love and that lovingly, naturally, heals.

This is today’s e-inspire. These messages are based on passages from the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy. These books are our “pastor” in Christian Science. Come back every Tuesday and Thursday for fresh inspiration. Or get a free subscription to receive an inspirational message like this one every morning directly to your inbox by contacting me at lamolitercs@aol.com. A downloadable compilation of categorized messages is also available by request.