The Badges of Discipleship

In the church today one is often called a disciple if they have completed certain courses, or serve in certain ministries. However, Jesus had a different way of identifying those who were His disciples. In John 13:34-35 He said, "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 love one another."
The love Jesus referred to is AGAPE love. Josh McDowell calls this "love anyhow". That means it is not dependent on a person's status, their, possessions, their popularity, or their actions toward you. It is love anyhow. This love is demonstrated by the "sheep" in Matt. 25 who ministered to "the least of these".
The second badge of identification for the disciple is found in John 15:8. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be My disciples." The "fruit that remains" is also clearly shown in the actions of the sheep of Matt. 25.
So, the bottom line is, your badge of discipleship is not your church affiliation, your spiritual gift(s) or your story (testimony) but rather your unconditional love for believers that is demonstrated by your unselfish service to the "least of these". Do you have your badges on?

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