John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
This is perhaps the most overlooked passage in Scripture, even while being one of the most famous. Somehow, people read it and think it says, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have correct doctrine” or “if you speak in tongues” or “if you’ve mastered Greek” or “if you can explain C.S. Lewis” or “if you go to mass.” Now it’s perfectly true that going to mass or knowing Catholic doctrine are important. It’s even true that C.S. Lewis and little Greek are handy to have under your belt. And some people even have the gift of tongues. But none of these things are what the verse actually says. It says, “if you have love for one another” you will be known as a disciple. If we go to mass, learn the catechism, read Lewis, master Greek, speak in tongues, wash dishes, clean the toilet, and crochet in mere pride, it will sooner or later be evident to all what the motivating factor really is, whatever we say. But if we do these things in love, however minor the task, God will shine through us.
By Mark Shea
Mark P. Shea is a Catholic author, blogger, and speaker.
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