As Christians, our faith is never meant to be hidden. Jesus Himself said we are the light of the world and that a light should not be placed under a bowl but set on a stand for all to see (Matthew 5:14-16). The way we live out our faith daily speaks louder than our words, especially when it comes to how we love others. The world tends to view love through the lens of performance: how someone treats you, what they can do for you, or whether they deserve your love. But Jesus calls us to a higher standard—His love is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. The way we love is meant to be so radical and different from the world that it becomes a powerful testimony, drawing people to Christ.
In the current culture, many relationships are transactional. People often treat others well when it benefits them, but Jesus modeled a love that served even when there was nothing to gain. His love broke societal norms, and He calls us to love in the same way. This is the opposite of the world’s standard of love, which often focuses on what we can get out of a relationship, not on what we can give. But true Christ-like love seeks to bless others regardless of their actions, their background, or whether they can return the favor. This kind of love is shocking to the world—it stands out because it’s so uncommon. And this is exactly why Jesus says that our love for one another is how people will know we are His disciples (John 13:34-35).
When non-believers witness the love we have for them and for each other, it’s one of the most effective ways to point them to Jesus. The early church grew rapidly because people noticed how deeply they loved and cared for one another. The same is true today. When people see believers supporting, forgiving, and encouraging one another in ways that go beyond the natural, it becomes a living testimony of the love of Christ.
It’s easy to love those who are like us or those who treat us well, but Jesus calls us to love even those who are difficult, even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). In a world where people are quick to judge, cancel, or reject, imagine the impact of loving without condition, forgiving quickly, and choosing kindness in every interaction. This kind of love not only transforms us but also attracts others to the light of Christ. Our love should be the opposite of what the world expects—so radical and so real that it becomes a testimony of God’s love to everyone who sees it.
Questions to Ask Ourselves:
- Am I intentional about showing the love of Jesus to the people around me, both believers and non-believers?
- Do I find myself loving people based on how they treat me, or do I love them regardless, just as Jesus loves me?
- How can I better love and support the people in my church community so that our love becomes a testimony to the world?
- Are there any areas of my life where I need to extend forgiveness and love to someone I find difficult to love?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me with a love that I could never earn or deserve. Help me to love others the way You love me—selflessly, without condition, and sacrificially. Let my life be a reflection of Your love in every interaction, so that others may see You through me. Show me how to love those who are difficult and to serve those who cannot repay me. I ask that my love would become a testimony to the world, pointing people to the hope and salvation that can only be found in You. Amen.
Supporting Verses:
- John 13:34-35 (NIV): “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.”
- Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV): “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Takeaway:
Our love is one of the greatest testimonies of our faith. The way we treat others, especially when it’s undeserved, reflects the heart of Jesus to the world. Let’s be intentional about displaying the love of God in our relationships, both inside and outside of the church, so that our lives become a living witness to His transformative power. True love, rooted in Christ, is radical, shocking, and attracts people to the light of the gospel.
