How to love like Jesus?

In our busy world, it is easy to lose sight of how to care for each other. Yet, when we reflect on Jesus, a unique love comes to mind.

He did not merely speak of love; he demonstrated it through every action. He taught us to be kind, to understand others, and to help those in need. 

In this blog, we will look at what Jesus taught about love and see how He showed love to everyone, from his closest friends to people who usually ignored others. 

We will discuss simple ways to embody Jesus' love daily. Whether with our family, friends, or people we meet daily, following Jesus’ example can change how we act and improve our world. Together, let's learn how to love as Jesus did.

Understanding Jesus’ Definition of Love

Jesus’ teachings show us that love is more than just a feeling; it’s about action and care for others, regardless of who they are. A crucial lesson is derived from the story of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, a Samaritan helps a hurt man when others pass by, teaching us that love means aiding anyone in need, even those different from us.

Jesus also demonstrated love by engaging with people often ignored, like the sick and poor. He emphasized that everyone deserves kindness, challenging the societal norms of his time. This approach to love wasn't concerned with status or popularity but with genuine compassion for all.

Another critical aspect of Jesus' love is forgiveness. He encouraged us to forgive repeatedly, highlighting that holding onto anger harms us. Forgiveness is a way to heal and show compassion to ourselves and others.

Above all, Jesus summarized his teaching in two great commandments: love God and love others as ourselves. It means treating others with the same respect, kindness, and consideration we desire, which can significantly impact our lives and communities.

Understanding and practicing Jesus' definition of love can transform how we interact with the world, fostering a more caring and inclusive environment.

How to love like Jesus?

Living like Jesus and showing his kind of love might seem challenging, but it’s really about small, everyday actions. Here are some practical ways we can start loving like Jesus in our daily lives:

1. Show kindness in small ways

Everyday kindness is a powerful way to spread love. Jesus’ teachings remind us that love isn’t always about grand gestures; it's often found in the small things. A smile, a kind word, or a simple gesture of help can have a considerable impact. 

It might involve letting someone with fewer items go ahead in a supermarket line, offering a sincere compliment, or just giving your time to listen to someone who needs it. These small acts create ripples of positivity and mirror the compassionate spirit Jesus embodied.

2. Listen and understand

Listening to someone can be a profound act of love in a world where everyone is busy and often distracted. Jesus was a great listener. He paid full attention to those who sought his help, showing empathy and understanding. 

We can emulate this by actively listening when people talk to us, not just waiting for our turn to speak. Understanding their perspective, acknowledging their feelings, and offering support without judgment can build stronger, more empathetic relationships.

3. Help those in need

Jesus was always ready to help those in need, and we can follow his example in our own lives. It doesn’t always mean grand gestures; sometimes, it’s about doing what we can when we can. 

It might be volunteering at a local food bank, helping a neighbor with their grocery shopping, or simply being there for a friend struggling. These actions embody the spirit of giving and caring that Jesus exemplified.

4. Forgive and let go

Forgiveness was a cornerstone of Jesus' teachings. He knew that holding onto grudges and anger only hurt us. To love like Jesus, try to forgive those who have wronged you. 

It doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning hurtful actions but freeing yourself from ongoing resentment. While forgiveness can be challenging, it leads to peace and healing for you and potentially for the one you forgive.

5. Be inclusive

Jesus embraced everyone, regardless of their background or social status. In our lives, we can strive to be inclusive and welcoming to all. It means stepping beyond our comfort zones and reaching out to people who might feel left out or different.

It's about creating a sense of belonging and acceptance, just as Jesus did, by being open and friendly to everyone we encounter.

6. Pray and reflect

Prayer and reflection keep us grounded in Jesus' teachings. Through prayer, we can seek guidance on how to live a life of love and compassion. It’s a time to reflect on our actions, ask for strength to forgive, and seek wisdom in how to care for others. 

Regular prayer and reflection can help align our actions with the love and kindness that Jesus showed, keeping his teachings at the forefront of our lives.

Bible verses to help us love like Jesus

In the teachings of Jesus, we find profound insights into the nature of love. These Bible verses encapsulate the essence of loving as Jesus both taught and lived:

John 13:34-35 (NIV)

"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 you are my disciples if you love one another."

1 John 4:19 (NIV)

"We love because He first loved us."

Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others. It is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV)

"Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"

Conclusion

As we reflect on how to love like Jesus, we realize that this journey is about more than just following guidelines; it is about embodying a spirit of compassion and kindness without conditions. Embracing Jesus' way of love transforms us, fostering deeper connections, understanding, and a sense of community. 

This kind of love encourages us to look beyond ourselves, to see the needs and worth of others, and to act with empathy and grace. 

It is a reminder that in every small act of kindness, each moment of genuine listening, every gesture of forgiveness, and every effort to include others, we are not only making a difference in the lives of those around us, but we are also drawing closer to the essence of being followers of Jesus.

As we carry these lessons forward, let us ponder this question: How can our daily actions reflect the profound, inclusive love that Jesus showed, positively impacting our world?