One of the most powerful commandments Jesus gave us is found in Matthew 22:39:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
This command follows the greatest commandment—to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. But Jesus makes it clear that loving others is not separate from loving God—it’s a direct reflection of it. When we truly love God, His love overflows from us into the lives of those around us.
Yet, if we’re honest, loving others as we love ourselves isn’t always easy. People can be difficult, relationships can be messy, and life’s pressures can make it hard to focus on anyone but ourselves. So how do we truly live out this command in a way that honors God and transforms lives?
1. Understanding What It Means to Love Others
Loving others as ourselves means treating people with the same care, respect, and grace that we desire for ourselves. It means extending kindness, forgiveness, and encouragement—not only to those who are easy to love but also to those who challenge us.
In Luke 6:31, Jesus says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This golden rule isn’t based on how others treat us, but on how God calls us to love—unconditionally and sacrificially.
2. Seeing Others Through God’s Eyes
To love others well, we must learn to see them the way God sees them. Every person—no matter their background, mistakes, or struggles—is created in God’s image and deeply loved by Him.
1 John 4:20 challenges us:
“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.”
Loving others isn’t an option—it’s a sign of our love for God. When we choose love over judgment, patience over frustration, and grace over resentment, we reflect Christ to the world.
3. Serving Others with a Heart of Love
Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action. Jesus demonstrated the greatest act of love by humbling Himself and serving others. In John 13, He washed His disciples’ feet, an act of humility and love.
We are called to do the same. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, encouraging words, or meeting someone’s needs, love is most powerful when put into action. Galatians 5:13 tells us, “Serve one another humbly in love.”
How can we serve and love others in our daily lives?
In our families: Showing patience, speaking encouragement, and prioritizing time together.
In our church: Supporting and uplifting fellow believers, volunteering, and being a source of strength.
In our communities: Helping those in need, showing kindness to strangers, and being a light wherever we go.
4. Forgiving as We Want to Be Forgiven
Loving others also means walking in forgiveness. Holding onto bitterness or resentment hinders our ability to love. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us:
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Just as we desire grace when we fall short, we must extend that same grace to others. Forgiveness isn’t about approving wrongdoing—it’s about freeing our hearts to love fully and without barriers.
5. Loving Others as an Expression of God’s Love
Jesus set the ultimate example of love by giving His life for us. In John 15:12, He commands, “Love one another as I have loved you.” His love was sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. When we love others, we reflect His love and draw people closer to Him.
Loving others as ourselves is not always easy, but it is always worth it. As we grow in our love for God, His love empowers us to love beyond our own ability.
Closing Thoughts
Take a moment today to ask yourself:
Am I loving others the way I want to be loved?
Am I showing Christ’s love to those around me, even when it’s difficult?
How can I be more intentional in demonstrating God’s love in my daily life?
When we choose to love others as ourselves, we create an atmosphere where God’s love can transform hearts and lives. Let’s make it our mission to be people who love deeply, serve selflessly, and forgive freely—just as Christ has done for us.
With love and grace,
Pastor Chris Tullis
Grace Christian Center
"Empowered by Grace, Living in Faith, Growing in Christ"
