How to Love Like Jesus

Introduction:

Jesus’s life was a living testament to love. He didn’t just talk about love; he embodied it. To love like Jesus goes beyond mere affection; it’s a conscious choice; it’s a deliberate choice to act with compassion, grace, and selflessness in our daily relationships. This lesson explores how we can practically apply Jesus’s example to our lives.

Key Biblical Verses:

These verses provide a foundation for understanding how to love like Jesus.

• 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.” (This verse highlights the importance of love as a defining characteristic of a Christian.)

• 1 John 4:7-8:

  “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (This verse explains that love is intrinsic to God’s nature.)

• Matthew 5:44:

  “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (This is a challenging command, but a crucial aspect of Jesus’s love.)

• Philippians 2:3-4:

  “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (This shows the humble nature of true love)  

Examples from Jesus’s Life:

• Washing the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17):

  • Jesus, the ultimate authority, performed a servant’s task. This demonstrates how to love like Jesus through humble service, not seeking power or recognition.
  • Application: Look for opportunities to serve others, even in seemingly small ways.

• Forgiving Peter (John 21:15-19):

  • Even after Peter denied him three times, Jesus restored him. This shows how loving like Jesus means extending forgiveness and offering restoration.
  • Application: Extend forgiveness to those who have wronged you, even when it’s difficult.

• Loving the Outcast (Luke 19:1-10):

  • Jesus showed compassion to Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised by society. This demonstrates that loving like Jesus means showing kindness and acceptance to everyone, regardless of their background or reputation.
  • Application: Show kindness and acceptance to those who are marginalized or overlooked.

• Praying for his persecutors (Luke 23:34):

  • While being crucified, Jesus asked the father to forgive those that were killing him.
  • Application: Loving like Jesus means praying for those that cause you pain.

Practical Application in Daily Relationships:

Here are practical ways to love like Jesus in your daily interactions:

• Practice Active Listening:

  • To love like Jesus is to give your full attention to others when they speak. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings.

• Show Kindness and Compassion:

  • Loving like Jesus means offering words of encouragement, lend a helping hand, and be sensitive to the needs of others.

• Be Patient and Understanding:

  • Loving like Jesus involves recognizing that everyone makes mistakes. Offer grace and understanding, just as Jesus does.

• Choose Forgiveness:

  • Loving like Jesus means letting go of grudges and resentment. Forgiveness frees both the forgiver and the forgiven.

• Prioritize Others:

  • Loving like Jesus means putting the needs of others before your own. Be willing to sacrifice your time and comfort for the sake of others.

Encouragement:

Remember, the goal is to love like Jesus, Loving like Jesus is a lifelong journey, not a destination. We will stumble and fall, but God’s grace is always available to help us get back up. Don’t be discouraged by your imperfections. Focus on making progress, and trust that God will transform you into his image. Remember, the Holy Spirit helps us to love.

How to Hear God’s Voice

Conclusion:

Jesus’s love is the ultimate example of how we should love one another. By studying his life and applying his teachings, we can transform our relationships and reflect his love to the world. Let us strive each day to love like Jesus, demonstrating his grace and compassion, demonstrating his grace and compassion in all that we do.

Watch more videos?