What does that really mean? I mean seriously. I hear this a lot. And I even say it myself. A lot. But what does it mean? How do you actually do that?

This week’s sermon was the second in the Who We Are 9 week series – Relationships. Pastor D. talked about loving like Jesus and how we aren’t even capable of doing so. God’s love is unconditional. proactive and provides ulimited grace, kindness and mercy. A human’s love is reactive and conditional. Philippians 2:2-5 is perfect to set the expectations…..Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together wwith one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out for only your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Whoa! This pretty much sums up our task.

After much thought and deep searching, here’s I mapped out what it means to me. To love others as Jesus loves us. NO MATTER WHAT. Even when we don’t want to. Even we don’t like something they do or have done. I mean, who am I?!?! GOD still loves me. Even when it might not even make sense. Even when we know things about them that aren’t ‘good’ things. Here’s what John 13 34-35 says….

“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.”

I also read something else recently that felt fitting. It was titled, A Genuine Love and referenced Romans 12:10: which reads: “Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.” The story that followed talked about how difficult it is to love someone that doesn’t want to be loved. Someone that pushes us away every time we try to help. But we have to keep showing up. We have to continue to extend a hand of grace. We have to look and see the whole person because sometimes a difficult person is really masking the real ‘person’. Often difficult people need to know deep down they are worth the effort.

This really hit home. I am dealing with a really tough situation where I am doing my best to display ‘love like Jesus’ but it’s not accepted and probably even laughed at. But I keep showing up. I keep my faith and refuse to give up, hoping one day, things will look so very different. 🙏

I also believe if we spend time judging others, we have no time to love them. So my goal is to not judge others but show them love. Accept the differences. But always show up and step up. I also want to show compassion for all people. And most importantly, forgiveness for those that have hurt me or those that I love.

I recently read Mel Robbins book, “The Let Them Theory”. This was a really good book for me for a lot of reasons. I am always questioning myself. Did I do the right thing? Did I say the right thing? What are people saying about me? Why are people that I thought were close to me treating me this way? This book helped me accept whatever is being said or done as ‘on them’. I have learned to let them. Let them think what they want. Let them do what they want. Whatever makes them happy. They do them, I do me. It hasn’t been easy and I can tell you that I still struggle sometimes when I hear things that people ‘said I said’ but didn’t and things that people ‘said I did’ but didn’t. But everytime I get upset, I think about two things. First, God knows. He knows EVERYTHING without me even saying a word. And two, I cannot control anyone. Not their thoughts. Not their words. Not their actions. People are always going to do what they do and say what they say. As long as I know in my heart what is going on, I am at peace.

So friend, Loving Like Jesus is a learned talent. Repetition will enhance our ability to do this. When in doubt, show love. Let folks feel the ‘Jesus love’ because you just never know when you can or will make a difference in just one person’s life. By us loving with the same selflessness, sacrifice, and unconditional nature that Jesus demonstrated, people will see their worth and lean on Jesus who will never leave them.

Here’s a prayer for us all –

Lord, help me to love like You. Open my eyes to see people the way You do, give me the strength to serve without recognition, and the grace to forgive freely. May my love point others to You. Father, help me to show genuine love to all, even those who are difficult. Help me to always see the good in folks, never judging. Give me grace as I reach out with your love and kindness so that they too, will trust in you and walk in faith. Amen.

And here’s my call to action for you –

  • A personal reflection: Who in your life neeeds to experience the love of Jesus through you today? Take one step of kindess, forgiveness or encouragement this week. Even if it feels uncomfortable.
  • A practical challenge: This week, choose one person to intentionally love like Jesus – whether through a kind word, an act of service or simply by listening.
  • Ongoing Growth: Cmmit to reading John 13-15 this week and ask God to show you new ways to love like Jesus.