Love.
It’s a word we say often but live so inconsistently. We love our families, our friends, our favorite foods, and the people who love us back, but what about those who don’t? What about the ones who’ve wounded us, wronged us, or simply rub us the wrong way?
God’s Word makes it very clear: love isn’t a suggestion; it’s a commandment. In John 13:34–35, Jesus said, “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.”
Notice, He didn’t say if you feel like it. He didn’t say if they deserve it. He said as I have loved you.
That kind of love costs something. It costs our pride, our grudges, our self-righteousness, and our need to be right. It requires us to see people the way God sees them—through the lens of grace and not judgment.
When we withhold love, it shows up in our relationships, our work, our ministry, and even our witness. A loveless heart cannot reflect a loving God. We can’t say we love God and hate our neighbor at the same time. Scripture tells us plainly in 1 John 4:20, “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
That verse stings a little, doesn’t it? Because it hits the places we’d rather not look; the grudges we justify, the people we’ve written off, the biases we’ve excused. Yet God keeps calling us higher. Love is the evidence that His Spirit truly dwells in us.
Love impacts everything.
It shapes how we lead, how we serve, how we speak, and how we forgive. It influences how we treat strangers, how we show up for our families, and how we represent Christ in a divided world. Love is not just an emotion. It’s an action, a lifestyle, and a reflection of our relationship with God.
If we truly love Him, it should show in how we care for all His children; not just the ones who make it easy. Loving like Jesus means seeing beyond differences, extending compassion even when it’s inconvenient, and choosing peace when offense feels easier.
So today, take a moment to examine your heart.
Is there anyone you’ve refused to love?
Is there a situation where you’ve allowed bitterness to block your ability to extend grace?
Ask God to reveal those areas and soften your heart. Because the truth is… what’s love got to do with it? Everything.
Reflection Questions:
- Who in your life is God calling you to love better, even if it’s difficult?
- How does your love (or lack of it) affect your personal and spiritual growth?
- What would change if you started to love people the way God loves you?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving me even when I fall short. Teach me to love others the way You love me; without conditions, hesitation, or limits. Search my heart and remove anything that keeps me from extending Your love. Help me to reflect You in every relationship, conversation, and action. May Your love be the standard I live by, not just the words I speak. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Be Blessed.
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That’s often a very hard command to obey. Sometimes we get blessings in return for the love we offer and share. Sometimes we don’t. Sometimes we just have to look toward eternity and a heavenly reward.
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Hey Kathy. Yes. Honestly, the best thing for us to do is look to Heaven and eternity because that is where our hope should be. Thanks for always sharing your heart.
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This is so needed! So many people wrapped up in negativity. Love. I prayed the prayer with you. K.Kay
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Hi. Yes, it is. This piece convicted my heart. It can be very exhausting living in this climate but we need to lean into His love and be led by it. Thanks for praying with me and let us continue to pray for others.
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