Following JesusSample

Following Jesus means learning to love

Jesus told us to go and make disciples, but how do you do that? 

The second half of the New Testament is filled with letters from Jesus’ first disciples and others, to people who were asking that same question. How do we go and make disciples? What does it look like to follow Jesus in a crazy, broken world? 

In John 13:35, Jesus says people will know that we are His disciples if we love one another. Love gets people’s attention. It’s what drew us to Jesus, and it’s what will draw others to Him, too.

Following Jesus’ example means loving people, even those that are hard to love. Jesus didn’t just pretend to care about other people — He really cared. He knew that every person who walked this earth carried a piece of their heavenly Father’s DNA. And whether they recognized it or not, they were deeply loved by God. 

That kind of perspective changes what we stand for. It causes it to hate the injustice in our homes and schools because the people being hurt are people God loves and Jesus died for. It changes how we treat others because we see people’s potential in Christ, not just their behavior right now. 

The Bible describes love as patient and kind. Love puts others first and doesn’t give up on them. Love wants what’s best for someone. It motivates us to serve one another, pray for one another, and forgive one another. 

When we’re living a life filled with love, we’re following the example of Jesus. 

Reflect: 

• What’s one way you can love someone today?
• Is there anyone you find hard to love? What can you do to live at peace with that person today? (Romans 12:18)