For a press release about the 2007 Glenmary Home Mission Essay Contest

'They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love...'

By Tiffany Miller, Marion Local High School

Tiffany Miller

I am standing in church waiting for it to start. Waiting for the organ pipes to bellow out the first notes of the opening hymn. Of course, I have to be ready for the first song because I am going to sing with the youth choir. Finally, the organ starts playing and we begin to sing the words to my favorite church song, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love...”

As I sing, I enter my own world with God where I know everything will work out fine, and I start to think about the real meaning of the words to the song. Singing in Mass has become my favorite aspect because I feel closer and more connected to God. I feel united with God on a deeper level than just the words. I believe He is telling me how to live His mission in my everyday life through the words in the song.

We continue to sing part of the first verse. “We will work with each other; we will work side by side.” Cooperating and working with others is how I live part of my mission of Jesus. This is vital because it helps me get along with all of God’s creatures.

“And we’ll guard human dignity and save each person’s pride.” To save human dignity and pride, I strive not to gossip and cut others down. When I hear it from others, I do my best to stick up for that person because, in God’s eyes, every individual is equal.

The choir begins tossing the next verse, “We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand.” To me this is more than physically being next to someone, it is about helping a friend or relative through a tough time emotionally and spiritually and always being at their side. I believe that Jesus’ mission for me is to help others when they need it the most. That is why I plan on majoring in nursing next year; so I can help others.

“And they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” Showing love is the most important aspect of living Jesus’ mission. Showing love everyday can be revealed in many ways. The most prevalent way I show love is through kindness. Everyday I greet people in the hallway, say good morning to my brothers, do small favors, smile at people, and be positive. This helps others see and feel the message of Jesus.

Another characteristic of love is patience. Showing patience is part of the mission of Jesus because he was patient with everyone. We continue to sing the rest of the song and I realize that Jesus’ mission is a lot of factors intertwined, but the most important portion is the gift of love. Love is patient and kind, it never boasts or brags, but instead always hopes and trusts which is the true meaning of Jesus’ mission.

For a photo of this winner or for a Word document of the essay for reprinting, contact Jean Bach, assistant communications director.