Marked By Love
John 13:34-35 AMP
34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you [a]love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”
John 13:35 AMP
35 By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”
Love isn’t something disciples add to their faith—it’s what reveals their faith.
1. Love Identifies The Disciple
If you love like Jesus – people KNOW who you belong to.
2. Jesus Defines Love
John 13:34 AMP
34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you [a]love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another.
John 14:15 AMP
15 “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.
John 14:15 TPT
15 “Loving me empowers you to obey my commands.
3. Offense Blocks Formation
Healthy boundaries matter.
There is a difference between boundaries and walls.
Boundaries are meant to protect love.
Walls are meant to avoid people.
Boundaries create space for healthy relationship.
Walls shut relationship down altogether.
Boundaries say, I want to stay connected, but in a healthy way.
Walls say, I’m done, and I’m not coming back.
You can choose to consistently be offended - or you can choose to be formed. But you can’t be both at the same time.
4. Love Shows Up Even When It’s Difficult
Romans 5:8 NIV
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Disciples love when it’s inconvenient – uncomfortable - and undeserved!
5. Love Is Our Witness
Our love either points people to Jesus or pushes them away.
This year at Destiny Church:
• we choose grace over offense
• patience over irritation
• forgiveness over resentment
• love over being right
Talk It Over Questions
⚠️ WARNING:
These questions may cause self-reflection, uncomfortable honesty, and real spiritual growth. Proceed with humility and grace.
1. When people experience you up close, what do you think they experience most — love, opinions, distance, patience, grace? Where do you sense the Holy Spirit inviting growth?
2. Jesus says love is how the world identifies His disciples. In your everyday life (home, work, online), what most clearly communicates who you belong to?
3. The sermon talked about offense being a blocker to formation. How do you typically respond when you feel hurt, corrected, or misunderstood — and how might that be shaping you?
4. Jesus loved Judas knowing betrayal was coming. What does loving “when it’s hard” look like in your current season, and what makes that challenging?
5. If love is our witness, not just our belief system, what is one intentional way you can practice Christ-like love this week — even when it costs you something?
Ask Your Kids
1. What are some “good ingredients” God has already put in your life?
2. What are some “yucky ingredients” you want God to help you remove?
3. Can you think of a time when God “stirred” something good in you that you shared with someone else?
4. What is one way you can ask God to mix His goodness into your heart this week?
