I’m fortunate in that I was born into a great family. If people know my dad, they assume I’m a hard worker like him. If they knew my mom, they assume I’m creative like she was. Their legacy has served me well, and I’ve always considered my roots something to share, not something to hide.

My reputation is better because of who my parents are. But I know that’s not always the case with everyone. Some people have to rise above the reputation of their family members. But in any case, it’s worth fighting for because a good reputation is priceless.

Before Jesus went to the cross, he knew he was leaving behind a legacy for his disciples. He knew that people would form an opinion of them based on the simple fact that they followed him. And because of that, he gave them the promise of a good reputation.

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

What was Jesus’ reputation? It was a reputation of Love. Everything he did, he did out of love. When he cleared the temple, he did so out of love. When he healed the sick, he did so out of love. When he challenged the rich young ruler, he did so out of love. When he confronted the woman caught in adultery, he did so out of love.

And finally, when he went to the cross, he did so out of love.

Jesus knew that his disciples would face persecution because they followed him, but he also knew that, if they were motivated by love, just as he was, others would see Him through their actions.

If you are struggling to witness to a loved one who is lost, it may be that your words need to take a back seat to your actions for a time.

Are you being being driven by love? Motivated by love? Inspired by love? God IS love, and Jesus displayed the ultimate act of love when he died on the cross. Do you want to point others to him? Love them. Through the promise he gave us in the Upper Room of his reputation, we can be assured that if we love, others will see Jesus in us.

Has anyone ever assumed you’re a Christian because of something you did, not something you said?