06/22/25 Loving One Another

Takeaway: Love is the mark of a true disciple.

Opening Prayer (Sunday)

Lord, this is Your day, and I come before You with a heart of worship. Prepare me to hear Your voice, to grow in faith, and to reflect Your love in all I do. Be glorified in my life today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection

Love is not just a virtue, it is the very evidence of our discipleship. In John 13:35, Jesus speaks these words to His disciples shortly after washing their feet, just before His betrayal and crucifixion. This was no abstract teaching. It was a lived example; grace in action. Jesus didn’t say the world would recognize His followers by their theology, their church attendance, or even their moral purity. He said the defining mark of a true disciple is how we love one another. This love is not sentimental, rather it is a daily commitment to community, forgiveness, and bearing one another’s burdens.

Living in community is beautiful, but it’s also a huge challenge. It means learning to love people who think differently, and who may disappoint us. But that is precisely where discipleship takes root. We are not called to love because others are always lovable; we are called to love because Christ first loved us. Love in Christian community means choosing grace when we feel justified in judgment. It means offering compassion even when it’s inconvenient. It means holding space for others’ hurts while still bearing our own. This kind of love refuses to reduce people to their worst moments.

In a world marked by division and self-interest, our love for one another becomes a countercultural witness. When we forgive freely, serve, and speak truth kindly, we reflect the heart of Jesus to a watching world. This doesn’t mean we avoid hard conversations or difficult situations. It does means we engage them with compassion and a desire for unity with each other.

Ultimately, love is not just a command, it’s the fruit of abiding in Christ. We cannot manufacture this kind of love on our own. It flows from the Spirit’s work within us and our willingness to remain rooted in God’s grace. As we draw near to Jesus, He teaches us to love as He loves: sacrificially, generously, and unconditionally. That is the mark of a true disciple. Not perfection, but love made visible.

Questions

In what ways have you experienced Christ-like love from others within your community?

Are there people in your life whom you find difficult to love? What might it look like to extend grace to them today?

Application

Today, intentionally choose one act of love that stretches you beyond convenience. Whether it’s forgiving someone, listening without interrupting, serving behind the scenes, or speaking kindly in a tense moment, let love drive your actions. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you love not because it’s easy, but because it’s the way of Christ.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, teach me to love as You love. When it’s hard, remind me of Your grace. When I’m tempted to judge, give me compassion. When I want to pull away, draw me deeper into community. May my life reflect Your heart, which is full of mercy, grace, and sacrificial love. Make my love visible not through my words alone, but through my actions. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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