It goes beyond simply feeling affection and involves action and sacrifice. Here’s what Scripture tells us:

• Sacrificial Love: John 3:16 states, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus’ ultimate act of love was sacrificing himself for humanity’s redemption. We can reflect this by putting others’ needs before our own, even in small acts of service.
• Unconditional Love: Matthew 5:44-45 teaches us, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Love isn’t earned; it’s freely given. Jesus associated with the marginalized, showing love to those who weren’t necessarily deserving. We can extend kindness and compassion even to those who challenge us.
• Forgiving Love: Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.” Forgiveness is a core tenet of Christian faith. Jesus, while on the cross, even forgave those who were inflicting his suffering (Luke 23:34). We can practice forgiveness by letting go of resentment and offering others a chance to heal.

• Truthful Love: While love can be gentle, it can also involve honest communication. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, we see, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and turn aside to myths.” Loving someone sometimes means having difficult conversations or challenging their beliefs for their own good.

Call to Action:

Reflect on how you can integrate these aspects of Christ-like love into your daily life. You can volunteer your time to help those in need, offer a listening ear to someone struggling, or practice forgiveness towards a difficult person. Remember, even small acts of love can have a ripple effect, spreading kindness and reflecting Jesus.’