Growing in Christ-like Love: Increasing Our Capacity to Love Others

Lord, Increase My Capacity to Love

Do you think people can recognize that we are followers of Jesus by the way we love one another? In the Gospel of John, Jesus himself said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35, ESV). It's a powerful statement, and it raises an important question: Do our actions reflect the love of Christ?

As we navigate through life, it can be easy to lose sight of what it means to truly love one another. We get caught up in our own agendas, our own desires, and we forget the commandment Jesus gave us. But as followers of Christ, it is crucial that we continually strive to love one another as He loved us.

Understanding the Call to Love

Before we can increase our capacity to love, we must first understand what it means to love as Jesus loved. In the New Testament, we find numerous passages that provide guidance and insight into this commandment.

The Greatest Commandment

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus responded, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39, ESV). This passage emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving others. It is a foundational principle that should shape our interactions with those around us.

Love Your Enemies

In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus challenges us to love our enemies. He says, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:43-44, ESV). This commandment goes against our natural inclinations, but it is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love.

The Fruit of the Spirit

In Galatians 5:22-23, the apostle Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love. He writes, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law" (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV). This passage reminds us that love is not merely an action, but a characteristic that should flow from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Increasing our Capacity to Love

Now that we have a better understanding of what it means to love as Jesus loved, how can we increase our capacity to love? Here are a few practical steps we can take:

1. Seek God's Guidance

In order to love as Jesus loved, we need to rely on God's guidance and strength. Spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to help you love others selflessly and unconditionally. Seek wisdom from God's Word, studying passages that emphasize the importance of love and seeking to apply them in your daily life.

2. Practice Forgiveness

Forgiveness is an essential aspect of love. It requires us to let go of grudges, release anger, and extend grace to those who have hurt us. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15, ESV). As we recognize the forgiveness we have received from God, we can extend that same forgiveness to others.

3. Show Kindness and Compassion

In our fast-paced world, it can be easy to overlook opportunities to show kindness and compassion. Look for ways to bless others, whether through acts of service, encouraging words, or simply taking the time to listen. As followers of Christ, we should strive to be known for our kindness and compassion towards others.

4. Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for love. When we cultivate a heart of gratitude, we become more aware of the blessings in our lives and are better equipped to extend love to those around us. Take time each day to reflect on the goodness of God and express gratitude for His love and provision.

5. Surround Yourself with a Community of Believers

Being part of a community of believers is essential for our growth in love. Surround yourself with fellow Christians who are also seeking to love as Jesus loved. Together, you can encourage and support one another in your journey towards increasing your capacity to love.

The Impact of Christ-like Love

When we actively seek to love as Jesus loved, our actions have the power to impact those around us. Our love can serve as a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel and draw others to Christ. It is through our love for one another that the world will recognize us as disciples of Jesus.

As we enter this year 2023 and beyond, let us commit ourselves to increasing our capacity to love. Let us be known for our love, kindness, and compassion. Let us live out the commandment Jesus gave us and be a shining example of His love to the world.

So, I leave you with this question: How can you increase your capacity to love today?