Defined by Love

by Tim Hunter

Ten of your friends in a room. One question. “If you could use one word to define Tim what would it be?” Depending on who you are, what your talents are, or maybe even what your weaknesses are: this answer would produce all kinds of responses. Maybe your friends would describe you as talented, driven, funny, smart, beautiful, or if you are me : weird. I’m just a weird dude. But I regress. Let’s think about that question.

Even think about what you would want your friends to say. Sarah is the most artistic person I know. Man, Sam is the most driven person I know. Could it be that we settle for too little? Could it be that we desire to be defined by things that are trivial, or just less than the best?  Let’s rephrase this question:  “If Jesus had one word by which he wants you to be defined by, what would it be?” 2,000 years ago, Jesus was in a room with eleven of His closest friends: he was going to be leaving them soon. They sat around the table of their last meal together before His death, and he began to talk to them - last words are important right? In John 13:35, Jesus tells his disciples what he wants them to be defined by. Interestingly enough it wasn’t their preaching, their gifts, their personalities, their creativity, their leadership, their discipline, or a million other things we look at as the pinnacle of success today. No, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus says in a world where we seek to be defined by a myriad of things - many of them good even great things - there is one best thing: love.

So allow me to ask you again the question that pierces my heart when I ask myself it, the question that often shows me the bankruptcy of my own motives: ten friends. One room. One question: If you could use one word to define you…?” 

Would it be love?

I challenge you to a bigger vision, a more beautiful way of life. The Jesus way. If you are a believer in Jesus you have been designed to be a conduit of love. He has poured his love out on you so that you can pour His love on others. In the verse before the one I mentioned Jesus says, “a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.” Here’s the simple truth I want to leave you with. The journey to become someone who is defined by love starts by being defined by Jesus’ love for you. 

Let’s be disciples together - let’s be defined by love.