It means that the true value or quality of something can only be judged when it’s put to use. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The only way to tell if a pudding is done or how good it is or how authentic it may be is in the eating.

How does one tell how authentic or good one’s Christianity is? Can we determine one’s Christianity or relationship with Christ by that person’s prestige, powerful miracles, prosperity, or by their prodigious knowledge of theology? What does Jesus tell us concerning the proof of a person’s Christianity? Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-20). The proof of the pudding really is in the eating. Jesus revealed an amazing proof of authentic Christianity. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another even as I have loved you. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35 NASB).

The beloved John, one of the former “Sons of Thunder” wrote about this “proof of the pudding” in the first epistle of John. Examine these characteristics of Christ’s love in the believer.

First – the PROVISION of Christ’s love. The only way to obtain this love that enables us to reproduce Christ on earth and be Christ-like and show forth Christ is by the Spirit of Christ in the believer. (I John 1:7; Romans 5:5) This love is unlike any other word for love. The word is “AGAPE”. It is God’s love that fills the heart of a believer. We are instructed by Jude to “Keep ourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21). In spite of our human frailties we can grow in the grace a love of God through a deeper union with Christ.

Second – the PASSION of Christ’s love. “Love, even as I have loved you” (John 13:34; I John 3:16). How did Christ love you? The Good Shepherd laid down his life for the sheep. Paul tells us that our love should also be passionate. (II Corinthians 5:14-15)

Third – the PRACTICALITY of Christ’s love in the believer. “Whoever has the world’s goods and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (I John 3:17-18) God is restoring the ministry of practical hospitality to the body of Christ today as a proof of love. (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; Romans 12:13; I Peter 4:9)

Fourth – the PATTERN of love. God gave us the pattern of love in His Son. What was the measure of His love? Jesus stretched out his nail pierced hands on the cross and said, “This much,” as he cried, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). The proof is in the pudding. Do you carry a grudge, resentment, or anger toward those who have wounded you? Jesus gave us the pattern. “Forgive as I have forgiven you.” Jesus gave us the pattern of great love by not only laying down his life for his friends, but for his enemies, too. (John 15:12-14)

Fifth – the PROOF of discipleship. “We know that we have passed out of death into life because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death” (I John 3:10, 14). The proof is in the pudding. Do you love the “brethren”? This love is God given from above by the spirit of Christ. Abide in Him and allow his love to flow through you. (I John 4:12)

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Have you experienced God’s love? (John 3:16).