Love them like Jesus

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have love you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”-John 13:34-35

In one simple sentence Jesus established a group of followers that would become known; not by their nationality, military strength, academic achievement, or cultural nuances, but by their love one for another.

Christians were to distinguish themselves not by wearing cross necklaces, donning Christian t-shirts, or by putting a fish symbol on their cars. Christians were to be recognized by the love they showed to one another. A love that they were instructed to demonstrate, not simply declare:

“My little children, let us not love in word on in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”-1 John 3:18

Jesus instructed His followers to love others, the way that He loved them. So what does loving like Jesus look like?

Love requires devotion and honor. Romans 12:10 declares: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Devotion is commitment. It is the willingness to stick by a person’s side even when it is difficult; treating them with dignity and respect.

Love requires forgiveness. 1 Peter 4:8 states: “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.”  This passage is not asking us to overlook people’s sins, but that we leave room for forgiveness. Genuine love will break down walls!

Love requires sacrifice. 1 John 3:16 declares: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I think too often we confuse kindness with love. Being kind truly costs us very little, but love always carries a component of sacrifice. Sacrificial love is the laying down of our will for the benefit of another; precisely what Jesus did for us at the cross. Ultimately, love looks like Jesus.

Finally, loving others, means loving them even when it is hard:

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.”-Luke 6:27-32. 

It is this type of love that truly distinguishes the followers of Christ from those who simply go to church. They love their enemies! How? Doing good to them, blessing them, praying for them, going the extra mile to help them, and giving when they are in need.

When we do this we are truly living out Romans 12:9:

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.”

Loving without hypocrisy means that love is no respecter of person. We don’t get to pick and choose who we demonstrate the love of God towards. We live in a culture that is desperate for a true demonstration of God’s love; so let us heed the words of 1 John 4:11:

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”


Pastor Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church