Scripture: John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Devotion: Another skill of an ambassador is crisis management. This is the ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively. This is especially true in conflicts and emergencies. They are present, calm, and willing to help.
Christians often shine bright in the midst of crises. We can see that on an international level. When the earthquake hit Myanmar earlier this year and caused incredible devastation, Christian relief organizations were some of the first on the scene. There are Christian organizations dedicated to medical relief and providing food to those who are malnourished. We see this locally as well. Last year, when the Siouxland community experienced the devastating flooding from the river, people showed up. Certainly not all of them were Christians, but we consistently see churches, organizations, and individuals who know Jesus respond immediately in these situations.
In 1966, Peter Scholtes, a Catholic priest, penned the hymn, “They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love.” And much like you would assume, the repeated line of it is the same as the title of the song. It is a declaration that we will be recognizable as those who follow Jesus by how we love one another. This is how ambassadors of Christ do crisis management. We are present, calm, and willing to help, much like a diplomatic ambassador. But we are also recognizable by our love. We not only provide working hands, but we also provide a loving presence.
Doesn’t it bring some peace to know that simply showing up in the midst of a crisis, whether in an individual’s life, our local community, or internationally, shows your love and care? And as such, you are fulfilling your duties as an ambassador of Christ. No matter the circumstance, they will know we are Christians by our love.
Reflect:
- How have you experienced the love of Jesus through another believer before?
