Love.
This is how the world will know that we belong to Jesus; by our love. But not first and foremost by our love for them. No, Jesus said that everyone around us will be convinced that we follow Jesus when we love each other like Jesus loves (John 13:34-35). And the Apostle John said that when we Christians love one another, the invisible God becomes evident in us (I John 4:7-12, 16, 20-21). It is love that is an essential and most notable hallmark of every true believer in Jesus. So, beloved, let us love one another.
But how? How should we love one another?
The ways of love are nearly innumerable! And we cannot do everything all at once, but Romans 12:9-13 give us a great picture:
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
And in particular, verse 13 of Romans chapter 12 is so wonderfully practical:
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
Perhaps it would be good and wise for us to focus on this one specific exhortation: Loving hospitality. In order to give you greater depth of understanding and ideas for engaging in this, I urge you to listen to this sermon (either the whole thing, or at least starting at 34:05 to the end), pray for yourself, your family, and our whole church to grow in loving each other through hospitality, and make a commitment to start, grow in, or keep on loving this way. Many of you do a wonderful job at this already! Thank you, and keep it up!