How to love like Jesus

Of all the fruit of the Spirit, love comes first for a reason. It's the foundation from which all other spiritual qualities grow. But the love described here isn't just warm feelings or romantic notions—it's the radical, self-giving love that Jesus demonstrated throughout His life and ultimately at the cross.

This love costs something. It requires sacrifice. It means putting others before ourselves, even when it's difficult or inconvenient. It means loving those who may seem unlovable by the world's standards.

When we struggle to love others, we're often trying to manufacture this love from our own limited supply. But the beautiful truth is that we don't have to generate this love ourselves. The Holy Spirit produces Christ's love in us and through us as we surrender to Him.

Think about how Jesus loved—He washed the feet of His disciples, touched those considered untouchable, forgave those who betrayed Him, and ultimately gave His life for us while we were still sinners. This is the kind of love the Spirit wants to cultivate in us—not as something we achieve, but as something we receive and then pass on to others.

Bible Verse

"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." - John 13:34-35

Reflection Question

Who in your life seems difficult to love right now, and how might seeing them through Jesus' eyes change your perspective and actions toward them?

Quote

The kind of love we see Jesus exhibit—that we’re to emulate—is self sacrificial, self giving love. It's the kind of love that actually costs you something.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Your love is so much greater than mine. Fill me with Your Spirit so that Jesus' love can flow through me to others—especially those I find difficult to love. Help me to see others as You see them and to love sacrificially as Christ loved us. Amen.