13 Jul
13Jul

Loving Deeply as Jesus Commands: Supporting Scriptures and Reflection 

As I was reading John 15:12, it says, "This is my command: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12, NLT). The ultimate expression of this love is sacrificing one’s life for friends, as Jesus did for us (John 15:13). 

Love Deeply, Not Superficially 

On the surface, it may seem easy to say, "I love people," but deep down, love requires more than just liking or enjoying others. It’s an agape love—a selfless, unconditional love that mirrors God's own love for us. This love goes beyond feelings; it’s rooted in God's character and His command. 

The Challenge of Loving Deeply Loving deeply can be intimidating because we fear being hurt. The ease of superficial liking allows for the simple dismissal of those who hurt or disappoint us; we may choose to end the relationship. God, however, calls us to something beyond superficial love. He calls us to agape love, which is sacrificial and unconditional. 

He wants us to love others as He has loved us. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28). 

This kind of love requires trust in God's power and promises. 

Trusting God to Love Through Us 

How can we love others as Jesus did? We trust God's Word. 

If He commands us to love deeply, He will equip us with what we need. 

Trust involves confidence, security, and action. 

Trusting God means believing in His plans and His ability to work through us. It’s not about relying on our own strength but on His. 

To love others with agape love, we must first accept and recognize the love God offers us. He loves us not because of our performance but because we are His creation, loved unconditionally. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10). 

God’s love is constant, unconditional, and unchanging—it’s not dependent on our behavior. When we receive this love, we are empowered to give it freely. God’s love is poured into us so we can love others the same way—without condition or expectation. 

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life... neither the present nor the future... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39). 

His love is a healing, pruning, and transforming love. When we understand how deeply God loves us—despite our flaws—we are motivated to love others similarly. Just as we have fallen short, so have others. We are called not to judge but to humble ourselves, recognizing that we too are in need of grace. The agape love God gives us enables us to forgive, restore, and love without conditions. 

God’s love was demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross (Romans 5:8). His love is the model for us—sacrificial, forgiving, and unconditional. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13). 

This love offers salvation and transformation—not only for ourselves but for others. 

An Invitation to Walk in Love Today, I encourage you to receive this agape love from God. Step out in faith, trusting that you are loved deeply. Extend that love to others, offering forgiveness and grace just as God has shown us. Your life has a purpose beyond yourself—God has a plan for you to impact others through His love. Let us walk confidently in the love of God, knowing how dearly He loves us and how much He needs us to share His love with others. Trust in His love, step out boldly, and let His love transform your heart and the hearts of those around you.

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