If an athletic team is to succeed, there must be a bond of unity among its members. In the words of memorable football coach Vince Lombardi, "If you're going to play together as a team, you've got to care for one another. You've got to love each other." He added, "The difference between mediocrity and greatness is the feeling these guys have for one another."

Long before football existed, Justin Martyr gave an eloquent defense of Christianity. In writing to the emperor of Rome, he explained the dramatic transformation Christ brings to believers: "Before we became Christians, . . . we used to value above all else money and possessions; now we bring together all we have and share it with those who are in need. Formerly, we hated and killed one another . . . . Now . . . we all live in peace. We pray for our enemies and seek to win over those who hate us unjustly."

The same Christ-centered change is to be evident in Christians today. Before we can reach out in love to our unsaved friends and neighbors, we must demonstrate God's love to our fellow believers in Christ. It's His commandment to us (1 Jn. 4:20-21), and it's the best way to show the world the difference love makes.  — Vernon C. Grounds