God’s Word says we must love like Jesus. Is that even possible? How do we do that? As I searched this out, I came across something that was very helpful. I want to share it with you.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34
Dr. Les Parrott, in his book, Love Like That, describes “5 Actionable Ways to Love Like Jesus”.
- Be mindful. We need to connect more deeply with our lives and the people in them, rather than living a detached, disconnected existence.
- Be approachable. It’s important for people to feel safe approaching us; in other words, we must become less exclusive in our interactions with others and more welcoming to those who seek us out.
- Be full of grace. We must be willing to relate to others in a less judgmental way.
- Be bold. We have to shed our fears, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7, ESV).
- Be self-giving. We need to become less self-absorbed and more invested in those around us.
These guidelines helped me immensely, especially the first, “Be Mindful”. I am quiet and somewhat shy. I guess that’s why I like to write. It’s the easiest way for me to share my thoughts with others.
Over 40 years ago someone said to me, “You’re really nice. I used to think you were a snob.” I will never forget those words. They are imprinted on my brain forever. I was so shocked that anyone would think that about me!
As I look back on my life, I can see why someone might think that. I’m quiet and don’t readily express what I’m thinking. I may have something helpful to share in a conversation, but keep it to myself. I think this is because I’m afraid of what they will think. (But we’ll save that for another post!)
Dr. Parrott encourages us to connect more deeply with people rather than living a detached existence. It is so easy to become detached when you are shy, especially if you have found an outlet like writing to fill your need for expression. Honestly, I thought this was just the way it is and would always be. But now, I believe God is doing something new in me.
As I shared these thoughts with my daughter Christina, she reminded me that the world needs listeners as well as talkers. (I hadn’t really thought of that!) She told me that I am a good listener.
I share that because it’s easy to get down on yourself and see all your weaknesses and faults. Don’t do that. God loves you and knows you very well. Trust Him to make you the person He wants you to be, a person more like Christ.
I am going to pray that I become more mindful and more involved in the lives of persons I see on a regular basis as well as the ones I don’t. This won’t be easy for me, but I plan to give consideration to how I can become more involved in other lives. Then I plan to take specific steps to accomplish my goal.
By doing this, I hope to learn how to love like Jesus. Won’t you join me in this quest?
With Love, Cindy
P.S. The photo is of my daughter, Christina, who spent 6 months last year working at a children’s hospital in Africa.
Click this link to learn more about Jesus: Who Is Jesus?
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