"this is not a suggestion, create disciples."

This lyric from "After the Music Stops" by Lecrae caught my attention.  I was sitting in English, listening to my Pandora, and it washed over me like an unexpected tidal wave.  The rest of the words had just flown through my headphones, but these came out as clear as day.

"This is not a suggestion, create disciples."

Although my relationship with God has strengthened these past few months, my relationships with others haven't.  I'm rather... skittish.. when it comes to reaching out.  People, in a sense, scare me.  They're cruel, judgmental, excluding, and anything but gracious.  And because I've been rejected all too many times, I tend to shy away from anyone I think could hurt me, even if unintentionally.  I go sprinting in the opposite direction, trying to keep my heart in tact.  I don't want to be sitting on the floor, picking up the shattered pieces yet once again.

"This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples -- when they see the love you have for each other."
--John 13:35

Notice the red letters.  That's right-- Jesus said that.  Not God via Matthew, Luke, Paul, or Timothy.  God himself said that.  He also had (something along the lines of) this conversation with Peter.

"Peter, do you love me?"
"Yes, Jesus, I do."
"Then feed my sheep."

Repeat X 2.

God treasures His children; He loves His lambs.  So why don't we?  We're supposed to reflect Him in every way.  Maybe, like me, you're scared of being hurt.  Maybe social class or status is making divisions between you and others.  And if you're unsure of what it is, I encourage you to search your heart until you do, and rip it to shreds like an essay you received with an F on it. Then follow His command.

Love God.  Love people.  It's not a suggestion.  Create disciples.