Signs of Distinction

# Lesson 27 Signs of Distinction

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).

In 2012, the television series *Awake*, written by Kyle Killen, premiered with 13 episodes and was well-received by many viewers. Author Killen describes *Awake* not as a supernatural or science fiction film. Compared to a similar series, *Fringe*, which also aired on Fox and is a show that "invites you deep into science fiction," *Awake* is a "story about people" with cases that emphasize human connection. The series follows a police officer named Michael who must live in two realities after a terrible car accident in which both his wife and son die. In the first reality, his son is still alive, and the scenes are depicted in a blue tone (Michael often wears a light blue shirt in the show). In the second reality, his wife is still alive, and the scenes are shown in yellow-brown tones. Moreover, while outlining the script, Killen had to use blue ink and red ink to distinguish between the two realities of the show!

This particularly reminds me of the signs that distinguish each person in this world! Every person must have at least one characteristic that makes them different from others.

Each child of God, when truly believing in God, has more or less certain signs that make them different from people of the outside world, especially spiritually.

Therefore, I would like to ask a question for us to reflect upon together:

What distinctive quality do you have that when people look at you, they can recognize whether you are good or bad, kind or evil, a believer or a non-believer? It's true that one or a few glances may not be enough to tell; but when people see certain actions, deeds, and words, they can make a judgment about what kind of person you are.

Similarly, as Christians, what must we do, say, and where must we go so that others can recognize that we fear God? Long ago, God delivered His people from the slavery of foreign nations and brought them into the promised land. Through this, they came to know Him because He revealed His love and faithfulness in keeping His promises to them, as written in Ezekiel 20:42: "Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I bring you into the land of Israel, the land I had sworn with uplifted hand to give to your ancestors."

And we must learn from the teaching that Jesus Christ gave to His disciples before He went to the cross to suffer. He said: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).

Thank Jesus Christ for leaving us these eternal and precious teachings so that we know how to live in such a way that has distinctive qualities by which others can recognize that we are His children. We must love one another and express that love through our actions each day. We must help and encourage one another so that we increasingly become like Christ, and through this, others will be able to recognize that we are the beloved children of God.

May the Holy Spirit always be with us, guiding us to live in a way that pleases Him, especially to live and treat one another with love, for this is one of the most beautiful characteristics of God our Father, which He has given us through Jesus Christ Himself! Amen!

What sets us apart, Between us and others, near and far so clear? White, blue, red, purple, or gold appear, Within our hearts, is there peace and joy sincere? God's people must bear a distinct mark, The Holy Spirit guides us without cease, Our lives show holiness bright and stark, Love and forgiveness increase with each day's peace!

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