by “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” – 1 John 4:7-8
Jesus is Love Scripture
The Nature of Jesus’ Love
As we explore the beautiful truth that Jesus is love, we start by understanding the very essence of His character. Love isn’t just an attribute of Jesus; it’s His entire being! Through His actions, words, and even His sacrifices, we see that love is foundational to everything He represents. When He walked on earth, He demonstrated what true love looks like. Jesus taught us that agape love—unconditional and selfless love—is not only to be offered to friends or family but to everyone without exception. We are called to recognize that in Christ, we find the perfect model of love, which encourages us to reflect His love in our own lives.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
1 John 4:9-10
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 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 4:9-10
Ephesians 3:17-19
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17-19
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Experiencing Jesus’ Love
We might often wonder what it feels like to experience the love of Jesus in our lives. It’s transformational! Jesus’ love is not something we must earn; it’s freely given to us, and it changes us from the inside out. When we invite His love into our hearts, we become changed vessels who can share that love with others. Jesus has a way of meeting us exactly where we are, in our struggles and joys alike. Each encounter with Jesus fills us with hope and reassurance, reminding us that we are cherished and valued, no matter our past. Embracing this love allows us to shine brightly in a world that often feels dark and cold.
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” – 1 John 3:1
Psalm 36:5
“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” – Psalm 36:5
Love Manifested Through Service
Jesus didn’t just talk about love; He showed it through action! His life was a perfect example of serving others. Serving those around us is an essential part of expressing the love of Jesus. When we step outside ourselves and lend a helping hand, we mirror the heart of Jesus. Our love becomes visible! Whether it’s offering help to a neighbor, volunteering at church, or simply being kind to someone who is struggling, these acts of service reflect Jesus’ love for us. When we love through serving, we unearth a profound sense of joy and fulfillment, as it connects us with one another and draws us closer to God.
Matthew 20:26-28
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26-28
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
James 2:14-17
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:14-17
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
The Challenges in Loving Others
Sometimes, embracing the love of Jesus can be quite challenging, especially when it involves our relationships with others. We may struggle with anger, resentment, and misunderstandings. However, we must not forget that Jesus loves us unconditionally, and He calls us to extend that same love to others, even when it’s difficult. It’s an invitation to lay aside our pride and past hurts, as we seek reconciliation instead of conflict. Jesus modeled forgiveness by loving and accepting even those who wronged Him. Through prayer and commitment, we can conquer these challenges and build deeper, loving connections with those around us.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Ephesians 4:2
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:44
1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” – 1 John 4:20
The Hope of Jesus’ Love
As we navigate through life’s highs and lows, we can hold on to the beautiful hope that Jesus’ love provides. It offers a sense of security that is unwavering, reminding us that no matter what storm we face, His love remains constant and alive. In the darkest times, Jesus’ love lights our path and gives us strength to persevere. It lifts us up, reminding us that we are precious to Him, and we have a purpose as we live out that love toward others. By trusting in His love, we can rise above anxiety and fears, finding peace and hope that can only come from Him.
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Jeremiah 31:3
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.’” – Jeremiah 31:3
Psalms 62:5-6
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” – Psalms 62:5-6
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
John 1:5
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5
Love as Our Witness
One of the most powerful ways to show that Jesus is love is by how we treat others. Our actions speak volumes, and they reflect the love that Jesus has shown us. It’s amazing to think that when we embody love, we offer a glimpse of Jesus to the world. We are living witnesses of His grace and compassion. Through kindness, patience, and empathy, we are called to serve as ambassadors of Christ’s love. It encourages not only our fellow believers but also those who are searching for hope and belonging. Sharing this love with the world speaks to the very core of our faith.
John 17:23
“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” – John 17:23
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Titus 2:7
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” – Titus 2:7
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
Final Thoughts
In exploring the incredible truth that Jesus is love, we’ve discovered a profound and transformative message. His nature is pure love, and through His actions, He set an example of serving, forgiving, and caring for others. We are called to reflect His love in our lives, experiencing its warmth and sharing it with those around us. Yes, loving others can be challenging, but with Jesus guiding us, we can overcome obstacles and have a heart filled with compassion.
Living out this love not only strengthens our communities but also serves as a powerful witness to the world about who Jesus is. We have the opportunity to shine His light in moments of darkness, bringing hope to ourselves and to others. No matter what we face, we can always rely on the everlasting love that Jesus offers.
May our hearts be full, not just with the knowledge of His love, but with the courage to embody it in every aspect of our lives. Let’s continue this journey together, embracing the love that Jesus so generously gives. Amen!