Written by Tim Bias, a contemporary pastor.
We often talk about love as if it’s just a warm feeling or a kind word. But for Jesus followers, love is far deeper. It’s not based on what feels good or what benefits us, it’s based on agape, God’s selfless, unconditional love. Agape love doesn’t wait for convenience. It doesn’t filter people by worthiness or political position. It’s the love that sees someone hurting and responds with grace and action, without expecting anything in return. That’s what we’re called to embody. To love as Jesus loves is to align your actions with God’s heart, for all people, in all places. It might mean offering warmth on a cold day, giving without recognition, or showing up for someone who has nothing to give back. It might mean setting aside opinions to see another person’s humanity. When love costs something, that’s often when it matters most… God’s love puts the well-being of others first, working for the good of others. It is rooted in the actions of grace, kindness, and commitment. When you seek to follow Jesus, you seek to align yourself with God. When you align yourself with God, you learn to love what God loves…Whatever action needs to be taken to heal our world, our communities, our relationships is in harmony with God’s love.
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]
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