By Pastor Izzy from Courageous Church
In John 13:34-35, Jesus gives us an incredible new commandment:
“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.”
This isn’t just a rule to follow—it’s a transformative guide for living out the powerful love of Jesus. But what does “Jesus love” look like in practice? Let’s explore how His example teaches us to love unconditionally, sacrificially, and practically, creating stronger relationships and more compassionate communities.
The Love of Jesus: A Guiding Light
What makes this commandment extraordinary is that Jesus didn’t leave us guessing. He showed us how to love by His actions and His teachings. His love is our ultimate blueprint, offering a divine standard to strive for in every relationship.
1. Unconditional Love
Jesus love is unconditional—it’s given freely, without expecting anything in return. This type of love isn’t transactional or based on someone meeting our expectations. It’s about embracing others, even when it’s hard, and offering forgiveness and grace.
Imagine how your relationships would transform if you practised unconditional love like Jesus. It’s a radical shift, but one that can bring peace and unity into any situation.
2. Sacrificial Love
Jesus’ love wasn’t without cost. From healing the sick to teaching tirelessly, and ultimately giving His life on the cross, He demonstrated that true love involves sacrifice.
Living sacrificially might mean giving up your time, resources, or energy to help someone else. It’s not always easy, but it’s deeply fulfilling and reflects the selflessness of Jesus love.
3. Practical Love
Jesus love wasn’t limited to spiritual teachings; He also addressed everyday needs. He fed the hungry, healed the sick, and showed kindness to those society overlooked.
Practical love means stepping up in tangible ways—whether it’s helping a struggling neighbour, volunteering your time, or simply being present for a friend in need. Small acts of service can make a big difference.
Living It Out
Whether you’re a Christian or not, these principles offer a powerful framework for loving others:
- Love Unconditionally: Reflect on how you can show love without expecting anything in return.
- Love Sacrificially: Identify areas where you can give your time or resources to help others.
- Love Practically: Look for real-world ways to meet the needs of those around you.
For Christians, this is the standard Jesus calls us to live by. But even for those exploring faith or simply wanting stronger relationships, these principles can make a profound difference. As the saying goes, “You never come second by putting others first.” Take the challenge today: Write down ways you can love unconditionally, sacrificially, and practically. Then take action—it could change someone’s life, including your own.
Listen to the full message below.