“By this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (13:35).
“This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.” (15:8).
These are timeless guidelines for this Christ-designed role. They have application in any cultural or church setting. Dedication to Christ’s teachings …love…and, fruitfulness remain relevant today.
The reference to “fruitfulness may need clarification. The NIV Self-Study Bible give this commentary on verse 2 regarding “fruit” — “In the New Testament the figure of good fruit represents the product of a godly life…or virtues of character.” (pg.2206)
True discipleship is active. There is no room for passivity. This brings us to a definition for “disciple” connected to Christ. “A true disciple knows Christ…grows in Christ…and, shows Christ in their daily lives.”
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