Jesus Teaches Me to Love Others
đź“– “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
—John 15:12 (NKJV)
Jesus told His disciples to love one another, but He did not leave them wondering what that love should look like. He said, “as I have loved you.” Jesus Himself is our example.
How did Jesus love His disciples? He was patient with them when they did not understand. He taught them the truth. He served them. He forgave them. He cared for them. And He was preparing to show the greatest love of all by giving His life on the cross.
Jesus teaches us that love is more than saying, “I love you.” Love shows up in what we do.
You show love when you share with your brother or sister instead of always wanting things for yourself. You show love when you include someone who feels left out. You show love when you tell the truth, even when telling a lie might be easier. You show love when you forgive someone who has hurt you.
Sometimes loving someone means doing something you would rather not do. Maybe you want the last cookie, but you give it to someone else. Maybe you want to keep playing, but someone needs your help. Love teaches us not to think only about ourselves.
But loving others does not mean agreeing with everything they do. Jesus always loved people, but He never called wrong things right. Sometimes love means kindly telling the truth or refusing to join someone in doing something God says is wrong.
Jesus had just told His disciples to abide in Him. That is important because we need Him to teach us how to love. When we stay close to Jesus, listen to His Word, and obey Him, He changes the way we treat people.
And you do not have to wait until you are older to begin.
Today, look for one person you can encourage, help, forgive, or serve.
Knowing Jesus teaches us how to love because He first shows us what love looks like.
Love does not only ask, “What do I want?”
Love also asks, “How can I care for someone else?”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me what love looks like. Help me love others the way You teach me to love. Teach me to be patient, kind, truthful, forgiving, and willing to help. When I want to think only about myself, remind me of how You loved others. Let Your love be seen in the way I treat people today. Amen.
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