Proof Positive   Scripture Reading – John 13:34 - 35 (NLT)

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."  

Well, the holiday season has come, or at least is coming to a close today. And the turkey has been consumed - and we have endured another time at the table with Aunt Brenda, and Uncle Bob (all individuals named are fictitious and do not represent any real Brenda's or Bob's...smile).

And yet while Bob and Brenda are to be make believe, many of us can relate to the tensions of family in-laws and outlaws...smile again -  in these times. If not in our natural families, certainly in the broader family of God, His church we can relate.

In the dawning of this New Year, it is healthy for those of us who name the name of Jesus to remember the New Commandment that distinguishes law from grace and will not only keep us happy in this New Year, but will extend His grace from our lives into all of the Bob's and Brenda's that cross over our pathway.

This new law of love is not something that either you or I should expect naturally to be able to do, but rather by the grace of God aspire to, as loving others in the same way in which we have been loved by Jesus.

Not only will this keep our hearts shiny new and clean, but it will be the, 'Proof Positive', to the world that Jesus Christ is alive and well and willing to save them too.  

Prayer Father in heaven forgive us in Your church when we refuse to extend love and forgiveness as You do each day to us. This day forgive me my sins, as I forgive those who have sinned against me I pray for Your grace. And make my life one that testifies to the fact that Jesus is alive and well I pray in Jesus precious name.    

Memory Verse: Colossians 3:10 "Put on your new ________, and be ________ as you ______ to know your __________ and become like him.”