Loving Like Jesus Loves
Have you ever met someone who oozes God’s love from their pores? Can you picture them beaming with compassion, understanding, and godly affection just from the look on their face? Can you hear their soothing words of comfort and reassurance despite the chaos breaking out all around? I bet you can feel the warmth of their presence just thinking about them.
I wish I could say I have loved like that always in every situation. But I cannot. Just like you, I have struggled to love others unconditionally the way Jesus loves me – especially when someone has wounded me deeply.
Remembering we are a work in progress helps us fight discouragement when we fall short of doing God’s best. But we can also demonstrate Him working in our hearts by loving others in small, practical ways.
Here are a few examples of ways to evidence God’s love in action today:
Bless, Not Curse.
Find ways to bless those around you unexpectedly, even if it is “undeserved.” It might be a kind word spoken, a genuine compliment, acknowledgment of something they do well, assistance in their time of need, or even a simple yet overdue thank you. Whatever it is, make sure it is authentic, and do it for their good and God’s glory.
Take Five.
Devote five minutes to pray for someone you have not loved well. Maybe it is a friend or former friend. It might be a family member, spouse, co-worker, or neighbor. Could it be an enemy? If you are unsure who to target, ask Jesus to bring them to your mind. Then pray for Him to bless them abundantly. It will do you and them much good!
Release It.
Make a deliberate choice to forgive someone for something they did that has held you captive emotionally. Release that person and their offense from the prison of your heart, understanding how much God has already forgiven you.
Showing the love of Jesus to others is one way to demonstrate our love for Him. Which of these three things will you commit to doing today to demonstrate your love for God? Or what is Jesus telling you to do instead?