Imagine if some person in your community were to attend a Christian Science branch church with this question in thought: "I wonder if these people are followers of Christ Jesus?" What would be the one sure way a newcomer to Christian Science could tell they were disciples of Jesus? It wouldn't be from tattoos on their arms stating "Property of Christ," which they wouldn't have. It wouldn't be from watching them walk barefoot over hot coals to prove their devotion, which Christian Scientists don't do.
There is one sure way any individual can exhibit this identification with Christ Jesus, and it is given in the New Testament where Jesus says, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." The verse that precedes it states, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John 13:35,34
Clearly, in Jesus' eyes this was the supreme proof of discipleship, the distinguishing mark that someone was his follower. Day-in, day-out love for one another—this was to be the unmistakable sign of the disciples' loyalty to the new commandment he had given them to obey
