John 13:35: “By this shall all know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

I believe abortion is the cruel, inhumane taking of an innocent life. I believe the homosexual lifestyle and all its many facets are sinful. I can disagree with people who feel differently than I do without hating them. In fact, if there is hatred in my heart, I am not a child of God.

Jesus said, “By this shall all know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” He wasn’t saying that just about people we agree with, but about those we disagree with. Jesus died for the ones who hated Him and were responsible for His death. Jesus died for both thieves crucified beside Him. One accepted, but as far as we know, the other one did not.

I have friends whose lifestyle and life choices are different than mine. They know what I believe, but they also know I don’t hate them. According to Jesus, I should pray for them. We will not win people to the Lord with hatred, but with prayer and love. As far as I can tell, Jesus never rebuked the sinner, but He did rebuke the self-righteous.

When people see and hear us, they should see and hear Jesus reflected in us.