They will know...or will they?

"We are one in the Spirit,
we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit,
we are one in the Lord

And we pray that all unity

may one day be restored

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

They will know we are Christians by our love."

"We will work with each other,

we will work side by side

We will work with each other,

we will work side by side

And we'll guard each one's dignity

and save each one's pride

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

They will know we are Christians by our love."

"We will walk with each other,

we will walk hand in hand

We will walk with each other,

we will walk hand in hand

And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love."

"They will know we are Christians by our love."

"Love is patient, love is kind

Never boasts, not full of pride

Always hopes, always trusts

The evidence of Christ in us
This is my commandment

that you love one another

that your joy may be full."

Although this great hymn by Carolyn Arends is old - actually 30 years or more as I have read - I feel like it is so pertinent today. It has been on my mind alot. I remember singing it as a child...not really sure where. It may have been vacation bible school, sunday school or church. But, the concept always stuck with me. The world would recognize that we are Christians by our ability to love...each other...work with...each other...walk with...each other...be in unity with...each other. Is it happening? Do they know? Do they know we are Christians by our love? Or do we make it to hard for them to see? Are we clouding the view? Are we getting along as believers? Are we loving each other - not just as an act on Sunday, but TRULY loving each other despite our differences - everyone, not just certain ones? Are we working along side each other without backbiting, gossip and slander? Are we supporting one another? Do we walk hand-in-hand or do we secretly hope that only certain ones will hold our hands? Are we healing wounds in the church family so that we can work for the cause of Christ without being a stumbling block?
Will they know we are Chrisitians by our love?
I examine myself tonight. May you as well.