How do we learn to love like Jesus?
Here are some suggestions covered in past blogs:
- Receiving God’s love. He “shows us how its done” by lavishing His love on us. As we learn to receive and live in God’s love, we experience the power and freedom of being cherished by the most amazing person in the universe. We start to “get” why loving is so important. And because our love tank is full, we have something to give.
- Becoming God’s student. It isn’t possible to learn from anyone until you choose to accept the role of student. So be teachable, and accept God’s role as your teacher. No one knows how to love better than God does. He made it up!
- Observing God, and His love. Everything Jesus did was motivated by love. Through the Bible, we can see the example of God, who sent Jesus to die for us. We can also see how Jesus loved people. He hung out with them. Met their practical needs. Healed them. Forgave them. Taught and encouraged them. Served them. Sacrificed His life for them.
Listening and Asking
The fourth way we can learn to love is by listening and asking. If we spend time with God, we learn how to communicate with Him. We get to know what His voice sounds like. So when He nudges us during the day, we can be confident it is from Him.
In the morning
Take some time every day to hear God’s voice in the morning. Quiet your heart. Meditate on His word. And after hanging out with Him for awhile, here are some suggestions of what you can ask from Him:
- “Is there anyone you particularly want me to reach out and love today?”
- “As I go through the day, please help me to see those who especially need Your love. And please show me how best to love them.”
- “What habit can I practice that will continually encourage those around me?” (more on this next week)
While you are praying, take a few moments. Be still. Listen to what God is saying to your heart. (If you are like me, it helps to write it down.)
During the day
God is speaking all the time. We just need to be quiet enough to listen. As you go through the day, keep one ear open to hear any promptings of the Spirit. Here are some examples of things He might say: Send so-and-so a text/note. Give that person some money for groceries. Take a meal to so-and-so. Help___ move. Take their kids for the afternoon. Smile. Forgive. Let it go. Be kind. And patient.
How has God spoken to you in the past about specific ways you can love those around you?
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