A New Commandment: John 13:34–35

1.            According to John 13:34–35, how can others know if we are disciples of Jesus Christ?

Others know that we are disciples of Jesus Christ by how we treat people. Christlike love is the biggest indicator of your discipleship and commitment to Him. Christ taught that we must love everyone, overlook their faults, and even love those who are unkind to us. 

2.            List some specific ways a disciple of Jesus Christ might respond in the following situations (in accordance with John 13:34–35):

•                Someone you know is ridiculed or made fun of because of the way he or she dresses. 

A disciple of Jesus Christ would not lash out at the person who ridiculed them. They would forgive and treat that person with kindness and respect.

•                You see a new person at church.

A disciple of Christ would welcome the new person at church. They would smile, introduce themselves, and get to know the new person.

3.        Ponder the question, “Do people know that I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by the way I treat them?” Select a family member, coworker, or neighbor and make a short list of things you can do during the coming week to show him or her the kind of love the Savior would show. Then follow through with what you wrote down.

I can definitely do better at showing that I believe in the Savior. This week I can show my husband more Christlike love. I can show him more patience when we disagree on something or when he is impatient with me. I can also pray for him and do better at overlooking his imperfections.