They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love

Found the lyrics to the hymn that basically defines Christianity for me.  Thought I'd post it.


http://www.carolynarends.com/music/lyrics/tkwac.html

Taken from the website:

"This hymn is over 30 years old, but it could have been written this morning. I love what it says: we'll be recognized as Christians -- true disciples of Jesus -- not by our rhetoric or our politics or even the soundness of our theology, but by our love.

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love"

This basically sums up what it means to me to be a Christian.  One can clearly see that the basis of Christianity is "Christ", meaning Jesus (the religious-and historical- figure).  The main point the sets Christianity apart from Judaism and Islam is the belief that Jesus was Christ, or the Messiah.  

But it isn't enough to just hold that as a belief.  The point, in my mind, of Christianity, is to live as much like Christ as possible.  This means reaching out to those on the fringes of society - the lepers, the prostitutes, the samaritans, the tax collectors, etc.- and to show kindness to all whom you encounter.  Jesus never turned anyone away, and that is the point of Christianity.  

I don't care if others follow my religion, I don't want to convert anyone; you'll never see me spouting religious dogma, to anyone.  I want people to know I'm a Christian not by a cross around my neck or a bible in my bookshelf or by my church attendance, but by my love.