In John 13, Jesus explains that the love of Christ for other believers is the sign of true children of God. 

 

To understand the love of Christ, we need to also understand the glory of God the Father. The glory of the Father is most seen in the cross (vv. 31-32). God’s glory is made of internal and external attributes. Internal glory is everything that makes God who he is, such as wisdom, knowledge, power, joy, and love. All of the Father’s glory was then shared externally with Christ, seen most clearly through the ultimate act of love: his death on the cross and resurrection. God’s glory is then subsequently seen in how we love one another with the love of Christ (vv. 33-34).

 

To gain more insight into the love of Christ, we need to also grasp his motivation for loving us and what our motivation ought to be. What was Jesus’ motivation? To glorify God through his obedience to substitutionary death so that the children of God might be redeemed. The way we love is to mirror how Jesus loves—sacrificially, so that the church can experience Jesus’ love. This is the mark of true discipleship (v. 35), not knowledge, orthodoxy, or baptism. The greatest proof that Jesus dwells within you is that you love how he loves. 

 

How do we apply this to our lives? Stay connected with the Father’s love just as Jesus did. On a daily basis, meet and spend time with Jesus everyday. Spend time with God in worship, prayer, and meditation.