Who is the most Christlike person you know? And what makes them stand out to you—are they patient? Peaceful? Quick to forgive or uncommonly loving?
As we aim to be like Jesus, it’s helpful to think of those who inspire us to step fully into the Lord’s calling. Learning to love the way He did is a lifelong journey. This month, we’d like to encourage you on that path with some helpful thoughts from Dr. Stanley.
The Bible instructs us to love one another, but that’s not always easy. In fact, some people make it difficult for us to love them. I was once one of them.
I had a friend in college who was exceedingly considerate, even selfless, to me. Instead of being grateful for such a good friend, I was irritated. His selfless love was unsettling me. He persisted in loving me for three years without any reciprocal response. I remember the day I finally gave up and said, “You win. I’m just going to accept your love for me.”
What I learned about sacrificial love from his example was much more valuable than earning a degree. He denied himself for my benefit because he loved like Christ.
Jesus said, “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). The Old Testament tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Lev. 19:18). Jesus’ instruction was new; now we’re called to love others as He loves us. This is the mark of believers: “By this all people will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Scripture uses the Greek word agape for God’s love. It’s the selfless love described in 1 Corinthians 13. This love isn’t merely expressed by words but is in how we treat one another. It’s not about our needs, but theirs. We want what’s best for them so they can become who Christ wants them to be.
Ephesians 5:2 says we are to walk in love, meaning it’s the motive in all our interactions. How? The first step is understanding how Christ loves us.
Jesus loves us selflessly and sacrificially.
“Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). That’s what He did for us on the cross, and we are to do the same by loving one another even when it costs us.
Jesus said, “If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8:34). Love demands self-denial for the good of someone else. We will sometimes experience rejection and heartache for loving like Jesus, but as His followers it’s our responsibility to love well.
The Lord loves us forgivingly.
When we come to Him confessing sins and asking for forgiveness, He never turns us away or says, “Enough is enough. I won’t forgive you this time.” His love is eternal and unchanging. And that’s how we’re to love one another. We can’t love others if we won’t forgive them.
Finally, Jesus loves us wisely.
He doesn’t always give us what we want because His goal is to make us holy. In the same way, our love for others doesn’t mean always yielding to their desires. The goal is to do what’s needed to help them grow in Christ.
Love isn’t blind; it’s open-eyed and discerning, grounded in the knowledge of God (Phil 1:9-10).
Loving like this may seem overwhelming and impossible. But it’s not something you can create in yourself. It comes from God and is poured into your heart through His Holy Spirit (Rom. 5:5).
He’s the one who teaches you how to love others (1 Thess. 4:9), and He will be faithful to do it.
Reflecting on these words, we recall that Dr. Stanley described the Holy Spirit as “a change agent.” What challenge is confronting you to love well today?
Don’t be discouraged. Pray for and trust the Spirit’s power. Allow Him to transform you day by day into one who loves like Christ in every situation. Till next time, God bless you.
For His glory,
Your friends at In Touch Ministries
P.S. This month, we celebrate mothers around the world. Join us in thanking God for them. Whether you are a mother, are blessed with a mother’s presence, or honor your mother’s memory today, we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day!