Northside Baptist Church

Previous Devotionals

Facing the Unknown

Created with Purpose

The Mark

John 13:35 (ESV) By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.


During World War I the Marines fought with such ferocity that the Germans started calling them Devil Dogs. There are other names synonymous with US Marines. Leathernecks. Jarheads.Gyrenes. When folks think of Marines, they generally think of a trained fighting man who is disciplined and tough. They picture one who stands tall and proud. They think of the dress blue uniform filled with combat ribbons and marksmanship badges. They think of the popular slogan used in Marine recruiting commercials, “The Few. The Proud. The Marines.”


When you think of think of a Christian, what comes to mind? You can ask several different people and get several different answers. Here are just a few I’ve heard over the years. Stuck-up. Bible-thumper. Holy-roller. Bigoted. Narrow-minded. Hypocrite. Self-righteous. I could go on and on but I think we all get the picture. Some of these labels are given to us by folks with no knowledge of what and who Christians really are. Unfortunately, some of these labels have been earned by Christians who have a faulty view of what it means to live a Christian life.


So what should be the “mark” of a Christian? Simply put, Jesus said it is our love for each other. In John 13:34 Jesus said “as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” He said love would show the world we are His disciples.


Love is arguably the most important ingredient in the Christian’s life. To love is the greatest commandment. Love draws together those in the church. Love is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law. We are to walk in love. We are to sacrifice for love. We are to increase and abound in love towards one another and for all.


Love is indeed the true “mark” of a Christian. It’s not always easy; in fact, it can be downright hard sometimes. People who commit horrible crimes, loved ones who irritate us and fellow church members who “fall into” ungodliness are all examples of times when it is difficult to love. Love is hard but it is not optional. Love can be hard but it is possible for us to live in love because He first loved us. He gave His all for us. He lovingly paid the price for our sin on the cross.


Let us resolve to love others as He first loved us. Let the mark of love be displayed through our lives in brilliant colors for the entire world to see. May others see and experience God’s love through their interaction with God’s people. Amen!!


Spiritual Snacks

Devotionals by Pastor Wally

It is my prayer that you will be blessed

by these morsels of Spiritual food.