How to Live Like Jesus
I find myself spending a little extra time these days focusing on how to love others bigger and better. Driving that focus is God’s Word in John 13:34 where He commands us to love one another–no matter what. The commandment is shared again in John 15:12 and then mentioned 13 times in twelve verses in the new testament. God makes no secret that loving others is a really big deal.
Dwell in the Extraordinary Presence of God
Is my drive to love others bigger and better because I’ve been treated poorly by some? Is it because I’ve mistreated someone? Has another withheld their love to teach me a lesson? Even still, is there a lingering childhood memory driving me to look beyond a past hurt so I can embrace the extraordinary presence of God?
The answer to each of these questions is yes! But it’s more than experiences of the past; it’s about what is going on in the world today–the present. I could choose to wallow in what was or I could rise above the set backs to sit in the extraordinary presence of Jesus Christ, where His everlasting and unconditional love reigns supreme.
Tweet ThisI choose the latter.
Show Others How Much They Matter
In one of his many messages on how to treat others, the Rev. Billy Graham said, “When you truly love someone, you want to please and honor them by the way you act. How you treat someone shows whether or not you really care about them.”
There is no doubt that Jesus should be your first love, followed by your spouse, family, and so on, but showing others how much you care for them is huge, and it’s all because God’s love fills your heart.
While the care and devotion we have for others will never be perfect, it should be constant. There will be times when we find it difficult to care for another–but then again, the door swings both ways.
Never fear though, it is God’s infinite and unconditional love that sets us apart and brings healing to our souls.
What Will You Sacrifice to be Like Jesus?
A favorite quote from her book, Uninvited, Lysa TerKeurst says, “God’s love isn’t based on me. It’s simply placed on me. And it’s the place from which I should live……loved.
As I pause and think about how to care for others bigger and better or deeper or wider, I am tasked with how I can love Jesus even more. Will I give Him what He wants from me? Is there a small gift of surrender on my part that speaks volumes about my trust in Him? Can I let go of past hurts and dwell in His presence? What will I sacrifice to live like Him?
Your focus today is to love others, unconditionally. To care for them and show them through actions and deed that they are worthy, valued, and cared for. Even when it’s hard. God calls us to be bold, because ‘His perfect love casts out fear.’ 1 John 4:18
There is no better time to start than today. Do it! Surrender to Him and pay His love forward.
Here are 10 Actionable Ways to Love Others Bigger & Better.
Reflective Questions:
- What can you do to show others that you genuinely care for them?
- Have you ever found it difficult to love someone who has hurt you? What steps did you take to find peace and resolution in the situation?
Prayer:
Lord, I come to You today praising You for loving each one of us unconditionally. Thank You for Your example to love others bigger and better even when it seems impossible. Our flesh can’t always comprehend how to care for other like You, but Your Word is truth and we rejoice in it. Scripture puts us on the path to observe how you love and we are to love just like that. Amen.
Leave a Reply