As we journey through life, one of the greatest challenges we face is learning how to love as Christ loves us. Love, in its purest form, can feel difficult to practice—especially when we’re surrounded by people who may not always reciprocate our love, or when circumstances try to steal our joy and peace. But beloved, I want to remind you today that this journey toward embodying love is not a path we walk alone. God’s grace, strength, and faithfulness are there with us every step of the way.
This month, we focus on the beautiful virtue of Love, grounded in the powerful memory verse for the month: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34, NASB).
This verse serves as both a challenge and a reminder. It challenges us to love in the same selfless, sacrificial way that Jesus loves us, yet it also reminds us that this command is not in our own strength but through His grace and help. We are not expected to embody this perfect love on our own. As we reflect on this verse, may you feel the invitation to press on, knowing that God’s work in you is unfolding beautifully.
Encouraging Scriptural Reflection: In John 13:34, Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment—the call to love one another as He has loved us. Let’s pause for a moment to reflect on that: Jesus, the Son of God, who gave Himself up for us, calls us to love others in the same way. His love was sacrificial, unconditional, and enduring. In the face of rejection, betrayal, and pain, He chose to love. This kind of love is not dependent on how others treat us, but on our choice to live out the love we’ve received from Christ.
But here’s the beautiful truth: Jesus doesn’t just give us this command and leave us to figure it out on our own. He gives us the Holy Spirit to empower us to love as He loves. It’s through God’s strength, not our own, that we are able to love others. There will be days when loving others feels hard, and on those days, we need to remind ourselves that God is patient with us. He is continually at work in our hearts, helping us grow in this virtue, even when it feels like progress is slow.
This verse reminds us that love is an ongoing practice. It’s a choice we make every day, one small step at a time. Even when we stumble, God is there to pick us up, and His grace covers us as we keep striving to love. Remember, this command is not a burden, but an invitation to become more like Christ. The more we love, the more we reflect His image, and that is the true heart of the Christian journey.
Words of Encouragement for the Journey: I know that many of you reading this may feel discouraged at times, wondering if you will ever truly love like Jesus. Maybe you’ve tried to be patient with others, to forgive, to extend kindness, but it feels like you keep falling short. Let me offer you a few words of encouragement today:
1. God is patient and gracious as we grow. There is no need to rush your growth in Love. God meets you right where you are, and His patience with you is boundless. Just as a child learns to walk one step at a time, so too does our love grow. Be gentle with yourself. Trust that God is at work in you, even in the small, seemingly insignificant moments.
2. Struggles with love are part of the journey, not a failure. If you’ve found yourself struggling to love, I want you to hear this: struggling does not mean you’ve failed. It means you’re on the path. Every challenge you face in loving others is an opportunity to grow deeper in your faith. God uses these moments to refine you, and you are exactly where you need to be in your journey of transformation.
3. God is working in you to build this virtue. Philippians 1:6 promises that God will complete the work He has begun in us. So, even if it feels slow or challenging, know that God is not finished with you. He is continuing to develop your character, and He will help you love with the heart of Christ. You are becoming more like Him every day.
4. Small steps of faithfulness make a big difference. Sometimes, we think that love has to be grand and dramatic, but love is often found in the little moments: a kind word, a listening ear, a gentle touch. These small acts of love are significant in God’s eyes. Don’t underestimate the power of small steps. As you continue to practice love in these everyday moments, you will find that the Holy Spirit uses them to shape your heart.
Practical Steps to Stay Encouraged: As you seek to grow in Love, here are a few practical ways to stay encouraged and keep your heart steadfast:
1. Write down John 13:34 and place it somewhere visible. Let this verse be a daily reminder of God’s call to love. Whether you post it on your mirror, your desk, or your refrigerator, having it in front of you will help keep your focus on the command and encourage you to live it out each day.
2. When you feel discouraged, pray and ask God to strengthen you in Love. Don’t be afraid to bring your struggles before God. He is more than willing to help you grow in Love. Ask Him to fill your heart with compassion and patience, and trust that He will empower you to love even when it feels difficult.
3. Surround yourself with Scripture and people who uplift and encourage you. The people you spend time with and the words you listen to have a profound impact on your ability to love. Keep Scripture close to your heart, and seek out relationships that encourage your growth in Love. There is strength in community, and God uses others to help us stay focused on His Word.
4. Make a habit of practicing kindness and compassion in everyday moments. Love is not just a feeling but an action. Choose to be intentional in showing kindness to those around you. Whether it’s a smile, a thoughtful gesture, or a kind word, these small acts of love will help cultivate a heart that reflects Christ’s love.
Beloved, I want to leave you with this: God is at work in you. You are not alone in this journey of growing in Love. It may take time, but every step you take in obedience to His call to love is a step closer to becoming more like Christ. There will be days of struggle, but there will also be days of victory, and in all of it, God’s grace covers you. No effort is wasted. Trust that He is faithfully completing the work He has started in you.
So take heart, my dear friends. Keep pressing forward in love, knowing that God’s strength is sufficient for every step of the journey. Your growth matters, and God will continue to refine you, shaping you into the image of His Son.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your endless patience and grace. We are so grateful that You don’t expect us to love on our own but that You provide us with the strength and guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Help us to love as You have loved us—with grace, compassion, and sacrifice. Encourage our hearts when we feel weak, and remind us that our efforts to love are never in vain. We trust that You are faithfully at work in us, and we give You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.