Affection. Appreciation. Fondness. Devotion. These are a few of the words that can describe what the word love means in the world. Christlike love is a little bit different. In fact, I prefer these words better. Unconditional. Everlasting. Genuine. Real. These words describe the incomprehensible love that God has for us.
A love He has had for us since we were born. A love that we need to lean into every day by remembering all that He has done. He only asks that we return His love by how we live and how we treat others. May we live in a way that honors God while drawing people to Christ.
Furthermore, He understands our faults and shortcomings and knows that we are not perfect, yet He still loves us. He formed us in the womb, and we are fearfully and wonderfully created vessels to bring Him glory. (Psalm 139) There is nothing we can do that surprises, God.
For this reason, I want you to remember that no matter where you have been in life or what you have done, GOD LOVES YOU. So, I implore you to go out and live with indescribable joy! YOU ARE LOVED.
Christlike Love Changes Us
With this in mind, knowing that you are loved is just the beginning. As Christians, God encourages us to show that same love toward others. You may be the only opportunity for someone to see a glimpse of Jesus Christ in action. So, live intentionally by making a lasting impression, and let God do the rest.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Romans 12:9-10.
Absolute. Honest. Legitimate. These are words that describe the word genuine. However, please think about this word; NATURAL. Sharing Christlike love should be a natural, or rather a supernatural-driven habit. Without the influence of the Holy Spirit, we will struggle to show Christlike love consistently.
Christlike Love Controls Us
Once we give our lives over to Jesus, He continues to transform our hearts to be more like Him. We have become a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17) Part of our heart transformation process involves surrender. We should no longer be living for our own desires but be willing to submit to the will of God.
For the love of Christ controls us… that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake He died and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15.
When we remember the love Jesus Christ has shown toward us, that should inspire us to live for Him and share that same kind of love toward everyone around us. Our daily focus needs to be showing people near and far what the genuine love of Christ looks like.
Love of God Confirms Us
One of my favorite verses that give me clarity is found in the seventh chapter of Matthew. Even though only God knows the heart of man, this verse gives me direction when praying for someone.
Not only should the love of Jesus control us, but it also confirms who we are in Him. Click To TweetYou will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Matthew 7:16.
Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him. 1 John 4:7-9.
Knowing someone by their fruits is a helpful way to know how to pray for them. No one Christian lives a perfect life. However, the HABITS of an individual may be able to give you insights into their relationship with Christ.
We all are familiar with the friend or family member who states they believe in God or profess to be a Christian. However, do their habits align with God? Is there a hunger for a deeper relationship with Jesus? Do they truly understand that being a Christian is not about religion or “spiritual practice” but rather about your relationship with Jesus Christ?
This is why we must lean into the love of God completely because we cannot love as Christ loves on our own. We have been “set apart” to serve our Savior. It does not mean we are perfect, but we have been chosen to be representatives of Christ. Or better yet, Ambassadors for Jesus. ( You can read how to be an effective ambassador for Christ here.)
Christlike Love Comforts Us
A word of warning. When we seek to live in a way that glorifies God and love as Christ loves, there will be trouble! Trials, tribulations, and tests of faith are all a part of the process for every follower of Christ. However, in my latest inspirational Christian book, I share this poignant reminder about the depth of God’s love.
In the midst of our painful trials, we must always remember God’s unyielding love. He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins. So, as we desire to live in exquisite faith, we must trust Him, not our feelings. We can’t forget God’s love, and we should seek refuge in the comfort of His bosom. -The Furnace of Affliction: How God Uses Our Pain and Suffering for His Purpose.
It is the incomparable love of God that should inspire us to love the way Christ loves. When we remember who He is and all that he continues to do for us, we can have comfort. Along with His comfort, we experience a peace that is beyond all comprehension. (Phil. 4:7)
Armed with God’s peace, we can shine the radiant light of Christlike love on others-warming their hearts and encouraging their souls.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which you where called in one body… Colossians 3:12-15.
Put on. Meaning it is something we have to chose to do every day. We need to dress in the garments of kindness and compassion with humility, and everything must be covered with love…a Christlike love. That is what this world needs now. They need to see a difference in how we carry ourselves, not because we are better than anyone else, but because we have been saved by grace.
As I mentioned earlier, we cannot do this in our own strength. For this reason, let’s make it a priority to embrace the love that God has showered upon us. Ask Him to show us how we can love as Jesus loves. If we are committed to loving like Christ, we can help change the world…one person at a time.
In Christian Love,
Horace Williams Jr is the oldest son of a pastor who went to be with Jesus in 2020. He is an award-winning author and amateur chef who loves Jesus Christ. His passion for Christ inspires readers to draw nearer to the God who loves them.