Test for our love of God

"You shall not be known by special rites or habits, not by a special form of dress or manner of speech; not by special austerities and unusual customs, like the Pharisees, the Essenes or the scribes, but by deep, genuine, and tender affection. And it is well known it was this which eminently distinguished the first Christians, and was the subject of remark by the surrounding pagans. 'See,' said the pagan, 'see how they love one another! They are ready to lay down their lives for each other.' " (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005 by Biblesoft)