Several years ago, I asked my Lifegroup this question. “What did Jesus mean when he directed us to love one another?”
Recently, I found my notes from those discussions and my thoughts on the subject.
I discovered followers and non-believers generally reacted the same. They were unsure or unable to provide an answer. Some showed difficulty with the concept of love or limited their understanding with a single action. Others quoted scripture, but when I asked how to apply the verse, they could not explain a multi-level concept.
How would you answer?
“How can I love others like Jesus?”
The best way to learn Jesus’s love style is to assume His character in our life. Right, it’s not easy and includes variations for each of us. If you’re like me, change isn’t always comfortable. Success in each adjustment accumulates value.
The tricky part begins when we learn awareness of the eternal value in our everyday lives.
Paul’s instructions to the church of Colossae offers us examples to incorporate into our lives.
Do you demonstrate these qualities?
- Be merciful (forgiving) as we learn to understand others. Practice forgiveness graciously; give forgiveness as soon as possible, remember the love the Father gifts you when you acknowledge your sin and accept His forgiveness.
- Be compassionate and kind to everyone at all times.
- Humbly treat everyone with patience and calmness without provoking insults or harassment.
- Accept others as they are, without taking offense to their differences or weaknesses.
- Maintain a thankful heart.
Forgiveness, compassion, humility, patience, acceptance, and thankfulness are qualities each of us can develop. Ask yourself, “How could my circle of influence change if I adopted these qualities in my life?” “…or worked on my weakest one.”
I encourage you to consider the possible impact in your community when you incorporate these qualities. What could your neighborhood exhibit when your family adopts acceptance and patience?
How can you build on these principles? Does one stand out? Start there. Examine what changes are required to affect change within your heart. Ask Jesus to show you where you may need to make changes. Effective change is only possible when each of us works to change our soul
Each one of us has room for improvement. I know I do.
The heart change of one can ignite community harmony to extend love. The prize we desire in the difficult times we currently live in is based on unconditional love to produce an environment to enable equality in life and growth.
I speak from experience; it takes time and a conscious effort on my part to change. Sometimes I need to dig deep and face what is holds me back. Not an easy process, but results are in the reward. I am a work in progress.
I looked at how my circle of influence would look. I saw a woman who practiced forgiveness and did not hold a grudge. Who considers another’s feelings by showing them I understand with my words and actions. A woman who serves others without bringing attention to myself. Who practices tolerance with kindness, especially when it is hard. Accepts others for who they are, appreciate our differences while seeking one common thread to build a relationship—a woman who maintains a thankful heart.
Don’t allow your unbelief in the church to stop you from making a few changes in your life. These words are for everyone—believers and unbelievers alike. Incorporating these qualities into our lives is something we can all do. The goal is a better life and unity in our communities.
Five principles become the foundation of living life fully, constructed on and around our relationships. Through encouragement, we enable each other to be the best we can be. Then we celebrate together as we watch how the community around us slowly and softly transforms and displays a lifestyle based on love.
