What are you known for?

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35 ESV

I've been pondering the Christian's testimony to the world and how we are to reflect our Savior. Thinking in that light gave me a fresh view of Jesus' words above in chapter 13 of John.

All people will know we are Jesus' disciples by the love we have for each other. Conversely, it can be argued that all people will NOT know we are His disciples if we DON'T show love to one another. That means if we don't show love to each other, we damage our testimony with the outside world. We have lost one of the opportunities to witness by our actions.

It must be said that Christian love does not applaud sin, but from fellowship to discipline, Christian love reflects Christ. Our love for believers means more than we sometimes think. It is validation of our words, and Jesus' words of love. It is conformation that Jesus IS really changing us and that we really ARE  now born from above. Let's not miss these opportunities.

What does the outside world see when they look at us as a body of believers? Would Jesus be pleased? What can we individually do to improve that view as ambassadors for Christ?