Love Part 2: Loving Others as God Loves Us
Key Scripture: John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
In our last post, we explored the nature of God’s love and how experiencing His love transforms us. Now, we turn to a core aspect of our discipleship: loving others as God loves us. Jesus gave this command to His followers as a defining characteristic of those who belong to Him. But what does this look like in practical terms? How do we truly love others in the same way God loves us?
Love in Action
Jesus made it clear that love isn’t just something we say—it’s something we do. 1 John 3:18 tells us, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” This means that our love for others should be visible, tangible, and impactful. True love is demonstrated through our actions, particularly in how we treat those around us.
Personal Example:
In my journey of discipleship, I’ve learned that love often requires stepping out of my comfort zone. I remember a time when someone in my community was going through a really tough season. They were struggling financially and emotionally, and it was clear that they needed support. Initially, I felt overwhelmed, not knowing how I could really help. But God kept nudging me to step in, to show love in a practical way.
So, I decided to reach out. It started with small things—bringing over meals, helping with chores, and just being present. Over time, I noticed that these small acts of love made a significant difference. Not only did it lighten their load, but it also opened up deeper conversations about faith and God’s love. What I learned through this experience is that love doesn’t always have to be grand or complicated; sometimes, it’s the simple, consistent acts of kindness that speak the loudest.
Example from Others:
I’ve also been inspired by the way others in my life have shown love in action. A close friend of mine felt called to start a small group for men who were struggling with addiction. He didn’t have all the answers or the resources at first, but he had a heart full of compassion and a desire to love these men as Christ would. Over the months, he invested time, energy, and even his own resources to support these men.
He didn’t just offer advice; he walked alongside them, helping them navigate their struggles and celebrating their victories, no matter how small. His commitment to loving them through action created a safe space where these men could experience God’s love in a tangible way. Many of them have since found freedom and healing, and they often point back to the love and support they received in that small group as a turning point in their journey.
Loving the Unlovable
One of the most challenging aspects of Jesus’ command to love others is the call to love those who are difficult to love. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This teaching goes against our natural instincts, which often lead us to avoid or retaliate against those who hurt us.
Personal Example:
In my own life, I’ve encountered situations where loving someone felt almost impossible. There was a person who had deeply hurt me, someone who had betrayed my trust. For a long time, I harbored anger and resentment toward them. I justified my feelings, thinking that they didn’t deserve my love or forgiveness. But as I continued to grow in my relationship with God, I began to feel a conviction in my heart.
I remember praying one day, asking God to help me see this person through His eyes. It wasn’t an easy prayer to make, and it certainly wasn’t an easy process. But slowly, God began to soften my heart. He reminded me of His own love for me—how He loved me even when I was far from Him, even when I didn’t deserve it. This realization changed my perspective. I started to see that loving this person wasn’t about condoning their actions; it was about reflecting the love that God had shown me.
Eventually, I was able to extend forgiveness and even reach out to reconcile. It wasn’t easy, and it took time, but the peace that came from releasing that bitterness was worth it. This experience taught me that loving the unlovable is one of the most powerful ways we can reflect Christ’s love to the world.
Example from Others:
I’ve also seen remarkable examples of loving the unlovable in the lives of others. A woman in our discipleship ministry had been deeply hurt by a family member. The offense was serious, and it had caused a rift in the family for years. Many people around her advised her to cut ties and move on, but she felt God calling her to a different path. Despite the pain and the betrayal, she chose to keep the door open for reconciliation. She prayed for this family member daily, asking God to heal the relationship and soften both of their hearts.
Over time, her consistent prayers and efforts to reach out, even when met with coldness, began to make a difference. Slowly but surely, the walls between them started to come down. It wasn’t an instant transformation, but eventually, there was a breakthrough. The family member, who had been so resistant, began to respond, and they were able to have honest conversations that led to healing and forgiveness.
Her willingness to love the unlovable didn’t just restore a broken relationship; it also became a powerful testimony to others in the community about the transformative power of God’s love. It showed that when we choose to love, even in the face of hurt and rejection, we reflect the heart of Jesus in a profound way.
Sacrificial Love
True love often requires sacrifice. Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” While we may not be called to physically lay down our lives, we are called to live sacrificially for the sake of others.
Personal Example:
For me, learning to love sacrificially has been a continual process. One particular instance stands out when a close friend was going through a crisis. They needed a lot of support—emotionally, financially, and spiritually. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the demands, especially as I had my own responsibilities to manage. But I felt God prompting me to step in, to give more of my time and resources than I was initially comfortable with.
There were days when it felt exhausting, and I questioned whether I could keep it up. But as I continued to give, I found that God provided the strength and resources I needed. More importantly, I saw the impact it had on my friend—they began to regain hope, find stability, and ultimately, their relationship with God deepened as they saw His love in action through the support they received. This experience reinforced to me that sacrificial love isn’t just about what we give up; it’s about the life and hope we can bring to others through our willingness to put their needs above our own.
Example from Others:
I’ve also witnessed sacrificial love in the life of a couple who were part of our ministry. They felt called to foster children, despite knowing the challenges it would bring. They opened their home to children who had experienced severe trauma, understanding that it would require immense patience, love, and sacrifice. It wasn’t an easy journey—they faced sleepless nights, emotional turmoil, and many difficult moments. But through it all, they continued to pour out love on these children, providing them with a stable and nurturing environment.
Their sacrificial love had a profound impact, not only on the children in their care but also on everyone who saw their example. The children, who had once been so broken, began to heal and thrive, all because of the unwavering love and sacrifice this couple was willing to offer. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that love, especially sacrificial love, can be a catalyst for incredible transformation and healing.
Conclusion
Loving others as God loves us is a journey that requires us to go beyond our comfort zones, to give of ourselves, and to love even when it’s difficult. It’s a calling that challenges us but also brings us closer to the heart of God. When we choose to love in action, love the unlovable, and love sacrificially, we are living out the command of Christ in a way that not only transforms us but also has the potential to change the lives of those around us.
As we continue on this journey of discipleship, let’s commit to making love the defining characteristic of our lives. Let’s strive to be a community where love is not just spoken but demonstrated in every action, every relationship, and every sacrifice. By doing so, we reflect the love of Christ to a world that desperately needs to see and experience it.
In our next post, we will dive into what it means to love within the Body of Christ and how our love for one another serves as a powerful testimony to the world. Until then, let’s continue to grow in our understanding and practice of love, knowing that every act of love, no matter how small, is a reflection of God’s love working through us.
All teachings are prayerfully written by Daniel Glasco, utilizing available resources to faithfully present biblical truth and discipleship encouragement.