Love Like Jesus Loves

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34

When parents’ inconsistencies are pointed out by their children, they are tempted to say, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Fair enough; standards are standards. But the better outcome is for parents—for us all—to act the way we want others to act. Jesus did that. His motto might have been, “Do as I say and as I do,” since His words and actions were always consistent. For example, He used His own love for His disciples as an illustration for how they ought to love one another.

When we read the apostle Paul’s words about unconditional love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, we realize we are reading a description of how Jesus loved others. He was patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not prideful, not rude or self-seeking or easily angered. Instead, He forgave, rejoiced in the truth, protected, trusted, hoped, and persevered. When Paul says we are to love that way, he is saying, “Love as Jesus loved.” When faced with a love-challenge in your relationships, ask, “How would Jesus love in this situation?”

 “You never so touch the ocean of God’s love as when you forgive and love your enemies.” Corrie Ten Boom