On Sunday, we had the privilege of welcoming Mike Gordon to Amberlea. Mike is a gifted communicator, and his message was both simple and profound: Jesus calls us to love others.

Yes, we are called to love—but do those who receive our love understand why? Do they know that we love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19)? Do they see that love is not just a kind act but a reflection of our faith in Christ? As we extend kindness, generosity, and compassion—which I believe we do well—do people recognize that we are followers of Jesus?

An old hymn declares, They will know we are Christians by our love. But let’s be honest—Christians don’t have a monopoly on love. Many atheists and people of other faiths love deeply and serve their communities in remarkable ways. Love, in itself, is not uniquely Christian. So what sets us apart?

This past Saturday, our Amberlea Session (church leadership team) gathered for a retreat—a time to seek Scripture, pray, and reflect on our calling as a church. As the elders described Amberlea, words like loving, generous, and welcoming came up again and again. I pray that has been your experience, and I wholeheartedly agree—this body of believers truly embodies those qualities. But I have to ask: what makes us different from the Lions Club or the Rotary Club? They also do incredible work for their communities.

The difference, my friends, is the why behind what we do.

Jesus said, By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:35). Our love should not just be evident—it should be unmistakably tied to Christ. We don’t love simply because it’s the right thing to do; we love because He first loved us. That is what makes our love different. It carries the power of the Gospel.

But let’s be real—this is the hard part. Acts of kindness are easy: shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, picking up groceries for a shut-in, making a meal for a grieving family. What’s challenging is explaining why we do it. In a world where people are quick to take offense, we often hesitate to share our faith, hoping that our actions will speak for themselves. But do they? Do people truly understand that our love comes from Jesus? Or are we assuming they’ll just figure it out?

So let me ask you the same question Mike asked us on Sunday:

Do people know about your relationship with God? And do they know that you love them because God first loved you?

May we be a church that not only loves well but boldly proclaims why we love. May our kindness not just bless others but point them to the One who is Love itself. Amen.