‘This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” -John 15:12 (KJV)

Friend, Jesus did not give us a suggestion. He gave us a commandment: “Love one another, as I have loved you.”

Now think about that for a moment. Jesus loved sacrificially. He loved unconditionally. He loved when He was misunderstood, rejected, and even betrayed. His love was not based on what others deserved. His love flowed from who He was.

And that is the kind of love He desires to produce in us.

The world teaches us to love people when they are lovable, but Jesus teaches us to love even when it is difficult. Why? Because love is the greatest evidence that Christ lives within us. A harsh world is looking for believers whose lives are marked by kindness, grace, patience, and forgiveness.

You may not be able to change everyone’s attitude, but you can choose your response. You can choose to love. You can choose grace over bitterness and forgiveness over resentment.

The same Savior who commanded us to love also empowers us to love. So today, ask God to fill your heart with His love and let that love flow to everyone you meet.

When you love like Jesus, you shine like Jesus.