The Marks of a Christian - Genuine Love

Is Jesus the Lord of your life? Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit?  If you have, He is present in every area of your life, which means there is a certain way in which you should be living. In a way that is pleasing to God.   Yes, there are outward marks of a Christian which reflect an inward life connected to Jesus. Many of these marks are outlined in Romans 12:9-21, written by Paul, an apostle, whom Jesus authoritatively and specifically chose to take His love around the world. Over the next six weeks, we will look closely at each mark, at each characteristic. And we’ll look at our own lives to ensure we are faithfully following Jesus in all areas. Let’s begin with the first mark of a Christian: “Let love be genuine” (Romans 12:9). Not surprisingly, Paul begins his teaching with love. He reminds us that it was Jesus Himself who explained to His followers this: It’s by the way Christians  love one another that the world will know we are His (John 13:34-35).   “Genuine” means being authentic. Void of hypocrisy. Unaffected by emotions and sentimentalism. It loves the same publicly and privately. To the rich and the poor. To those who may help us in life and to those who can’t. To friends and even to enemies. A genuine follower of Jesus is the real deal. A person who is incapable of being fake - in any way, at any time, because of how real Jesus’s love is to us. Is your love for Jesus real? Do you live and love as a genuine Christian should? Love is the first mark of a genuine follower of Jesus.