Love Like Jesus: Simple Ways to Shine His Light
- Briana Ramos
- Feb 1
- 3 min read
The love of Jesus is an immeasurable gift that shapes the lives of those who embrace it. As believers, we are called not only to receive His love but also to reflect it in our interactions with others. By living out His example, we can make a meaningful impact in the world around us.
The Unconditional Love of Jesus
The foundation of Jesus' love is perfectly captured in John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. This verse speaks to the sacrificial and enduring nature of God's love. Jesus’ willingness to lay down His life for us is the ultimate demonstration of how deeply we are cherished.
Understanding this truth fills our hearts with gratitude and calls us to live in a way that reflects His love to others.
Love in Action: Following Jesus’ Example
In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, we find a practical description of what love looks like in action:
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, it is not easily angered, it 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.
When we live and demonstrate these qualities in our daily lives, we model the love of Jesus to those around us. This can be as simple as showing patience with a coworker, being kind to a stranger, or forgiving someone who has wronged us. It's always easier to judge others before ourselves, consider what another may be going through or holding a lifelong grudge. But taking the easier route isn't the most fruitful. It creates root rot and damages the fruit that we bear. We choose to love Him and others. It is a choice to find patience, grace, forgiveness, and even joy in the most difficult moments.
Living by Faith and Love
Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20 remind us of our new identity in Christ: I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Living by faith means allowing Jesus’ love to guide our thoughts, words, and actions. When we surrender our desires and agendas to His will, we become vessels through which His love flows.
Practical Ways to Model Jesus’ Love
Serve Others: Look for opportunities to meet the needs of those around you, whether it’s volunteering, helping a stranger with their groceries, or simply being present for a friend.
Show Compassion: Practice empathy and extend grace, even when it’s difficult. Showing grace or empathy not only models God's sensitivity and care but allows room for those receiving it to learn and do the same for someone else.
Speak Life: Use your words to encourage, uplift, and build up others.
Forgive Freely: Release resentment and choose forgiveness, just as Jesus forgave us. We don't forgive others to free them but to free ourselves from the weight of resentment, leaving us free to walk alongside Jesus in our journey to life eternal.
Love Without Conditions: Embrace people as they are, without judgment or expectation.
A Life Transformed by Love
When we model Jesus' love, we become beams of hope and light in a world that desperately needs it. Our everyday actions, no matter how small, can make a huge difference. As you go about your day, remember the love Jesus has shown you and seek ways to share that love with others.
Prayer
Dear heavenly Father, we thank you for your boundless grace. We know no greater love than yours. The sacrifice you made that freed us of our sins proves that. Jesus, thank you for showing us what service, obedience, and boldness look like. Help us to continue to grow in our walk with you as we commit to live boldly and faithfully in God's love. Thank you for renewing our lives at the cost of yours. I pray that we honor you and your sacrifice by living the same way.
Amen.
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