The true measure of love

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13:35 NKJV

Whenever I realize I’ve “failed” to love others the way Jesus would, it always humbles me and reminds me of my dependence on God. The words found in 1 Corinthians 13 offer a clear picture of the love Jesus calls us to.

Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offense. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up. 1 Corinthians 13 :4-7 (TPT)

As I write this post, I’m reminded of several moments today where I lost patience or wasn’t as gentle as I should have been with those around me. My old self would have made excuses: “I’m tired,” “I didn’t sleep well,” “I’ve got a lot on my plate,” “They were rude first/I’m hurt” or “I’ve done enough already.” While I understand that these factors can influence my behavior, they also highlight just how much I need Jesus. The love Jesus calls us to give isn’t based on how much sleep we get or how we feel about someone. It’s a love that transcends our human limitations.

When I truly take the time to dig into the love described in 1 Corinthians 13, and also read the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:44, I realize that I cannot live it out on my own.

However, I say to you, love your enemy, Bless the one who curses you, Do something wonderful for the one who hates you, And respond to the very ones who persecute you by praying for them. Matthew 5 :44 (TPT)

I need Jesus—every moment, every day. So, on days like today, where I am aware that I’m not the best reflection of His love, while I do feel the pain of my shortcomings, I also feel incredibly grateful. I am reminded of how limitless and unconditional His love for me is—how His mercy and forgiveness never run out because even when I fail to love others, He never fails to love me. Now for those of you who pride themselves on being “good people” or who think their ability to love others is above average, (I’m not judging by the way because I do find myself in that category many times too) I challenge you to ponder on this question:

If God judged your ability to love by how you treat difficult people, or those who’ve hurt you, how would you measure up?

And when I say “love,” I mean God’s definition of love: Are you patient with them? Are you CONSISTENTLY kind? Do you believe the best for them, even when it's hard?... As you can read in the verse below (Luke 6:32-33), Jesus did not give much credit to those who just loved people who loved them back

But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same Luke 6 :32-33 (NKJV)

Now pray with me:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your incredible, unwavering love. You have been patient and kind to me in ways I can’t fully comprehend. I ask for Your forgiveness for the times I’ve failed to love others the way You have called me to. I now see that apart from You, I can do nothing. Please fill my heart with Your Love and empower me through Your Holy Spirit to love others the way You desire, especially in moments where it might be hard for me to do so. In Jesus’s name I pray Amen