Week 21 – “They Know Us by Our Love”

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

1 John 3:18 NIV

I saw a social media clip of the country music artist Jelly Roll accepting a Grammy (one of three) and proclaiming the name of Jesus loudly and proudly! If you haven’t seen it, check it out. He was unapologetic about his love and devotion for Jesus, his Savior. This was such a great moment in the body of Christ, and it’s easy to cheer him on in this season. But what about when he was down and out? This is a man who struggled with addiction, depression, anxiety, and manic episodes. He was incarcerated for robbery and drug issues. 

I first heard of Jelly Roll during his spirit-filled collaboration with Christian artist Brandon Lake. The song is called “Hard Fought Hallelujah”, and it is powerful. Yet Brandon Lake caught much criticism for collaborating with such a man as Jelly Roll. Brandon Lake defended the partnership as a necessary “messy” ministry that mirrors Jesus connecting with all people. I could not agree more.

True confession, I have raised an eyebrow at Christian artists collaborating with secular artists. Shame on me and you if you have done so as well. Jesus was criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10-11). Jesus replied in verse 12 that He came not for the healthy, but for the sick, and not for the righteous, but for sinners.  How can we live out the mission of the gospel if we turn our noses up at sinners and judge Christians who are witnessing to and loving those whom Jesus would love? 

Our love of Jesus should prompt us to love a lost and dying world the way He did. 1 John 3:18 says that we are to love people not just with words but in actions and truth.

Friends, let us love those who do not know Jesus the way He loves them, and then we will have the opportunity to share His truth of salvation. Let them know us by our love.