Lyrics
We are one in the spirit
We are one in the Lord
We are one in the spirit
We are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other
We will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other
We will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love
They'll know us by our love (love, love), our love (love, love)
Our love (love, love), our love
They'll know us by our love (love, love), our love (love, love)
Our love (love, love), our love
We will work with each other
We will work side by side
We will work with each other
We will work side by side
And we'll guard each other's dignity and save each other's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love (love, love, oh)
They'll know us by our love (love, love), our love (love, love)
Our love (love, love), our love
They'll know us by our love (love, love), our love (love, love)
Our love (love, love), our love
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh
They will know we are Christians by our love, by our love
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
By Our Love presents Christian identity as something made visible through unity, companionship, service, and care for another persons dignity. Each verse expands the same communal vision: believers stand together in the Lord, walk beside one another, share the good news, and work side by side. The recurring declaration that Christians will be known by love gives those actions their meaning and keeps the lyric centered on a defining teaching of Jesus.
The song does not describe unity as passive agreement. Prayer, shared labor, mutual protection, and public witness all belong together. Its repeated phrases create the sound of a community affirming one commitment rather than an individual making a private statement. The central line closely echoes John 13, where love among disciples identifies them as followers of Christ. The prayer for restored unity also fits the New Testament call to preserve the unity given by the Spirit. In that light, love becomes both the bond within the church and the evidence through which Christian faith can be recognized.
Related Scripture
- John 13:34-35 Jesus says that love among his disciples will identify them as his followers.
- Ephesians 4:3 Paul urges believers to preserve the unity of the Spirit in peace.
- Galatians 6:2 Believers are told to carry one anothers burdens and fulfill the law of Christ.