Loving as God Loves

1 John 4:19; James 2:14-17; Matthew 5:43-44; Galatians 6:9-10; Colossians 3:14

St. John’s United Church of Christ
Greeley, Colorado
February 16, 2025
Wendi Oster

A teacher tells a story about one her students named Billy: “Billy was the resident cowboy of my kindergarten class, coming to school each day dressed in chaps, a vest, and a cowboy hat. One morning, he excitedly told me that his mother was going to have a baby. ‘I’m going to teach my little brother all the things every cowboy should know, like how to ride a horse and rope a steer,’ he exclaimed. ‘But,’ I cautioned, ‘what if your mother gives you a baby sister?’ Billy had never considered this, and the possibility stunned him. He gazed out the window for a moment, before saying with resignation, ‘Then I’m headin’ west!’”

Unfortunately, this is oftentimes the way adults treat those around them; with conditions for their love and service.

Follower of Christ practice God’s love through daily actions, demonstrating love as a lifestyle rooted in Christ’s example.

Introduction

Love is not just a feeling, but a way of living. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s love in every area of our lives, making love a daily action rather than a fleeting emotion. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate example of love by serving others, sacrificing for us, and showing compassion without condition. Today, we will explore how we can live out God’s love daily, turning love into a lifestyle that honors Him.

Let’s look at how we can actively demonstrate His love through our actions, reflecting Christ’s heart in everything we do.

Consider these five ideas:

1.          God’s love is the source of our love.

2.          Love is more than words, it requires action.

3.          Loving even when it’s difficult.

4.          Persisting in love despite challenges.

5.          Love as the binding virtue.

I. God’s Love is the Source of Our Love

Our ability to love comes from God’s love for us.

Hear God’s word: We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

This wonderful passage reminds us reminds us that God loved us first, setting the example for how we can love others. His love empowers and inspires us to love in return.

I encourage you to begin each day by meditating on God’s love for you. This will fill your heart and prepare you to love others selflessly.

Recognize that love flows from a relationship with God, so invest time in prayer and scripture.

II. Love Is More Than Words—It Requires Action

Love must be expressed through deeds, not just words.

James, the disciple of Christ, enlightens us with these words:

“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:14-17).

James teaches that faith without works is dead, and the same applies to love. Saying “I love you” is not enough if there are no actions to back it up.

Identify specific ways to show love, such as helping a neighbor, supporting a struggling friend, or volunteering your time.

Make a habit of asking yourself daily, “What can I do today to show God’s love to someone?”

III. Loving Even When It’s Difficult

True love includes loving those who are hard to love.

Jesus’ words are powerful: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).

Jesus challenges us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This reflects God’s grace, who loves us despite our flaws.

Pray for someone you find difficult to love, asking God to soften your heart toward them. Look for practical ways to show kindness to those you struggle with, such as a kind word or a helpful gesture.

IV. Persisting in Love Despite Challenges

Love requires perseverance, especially when it’s tiring or inconvenient.

Galatians 6:9-10 exhorts:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

Paul encourages us not to grow weary in doing good because the harvest of our love and efforts will come in God’s time.

When you feel like giving up on showing love, remember that your actions may have a lasting impact that you cannot yet see.

Lean on God for strength to continue loving when you feel drained or unappreciated.

V. Love as the Binding Virtue

Love is the glue that holds all other virtues together in harmony.

We read in Colossians 3:14, “And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

Paul writes that love is the supreme virtue that unites all others, fostering unity and peace.

Make love the motivation behind your actions, whether it’s serving, forgiving, or encouraging others.

Focus on how love can bring unity in your family, church, and community.

Conclusion

Love is not merely a feeling or a word; it’s an action, a commitment, and a reflection of God’s nature. As we live out God’s love daily—through acts of service, perseverance, and even loving our enemies—we embody His love in a tangible way.

May I challenge us to reflect on this: How can I put love into action today? Encourage us to take one specific step this week to actively love someone in their life, demonstrating God’s love in a practical way.

The Bible is filled with countless examples of God’s love towards humanity, from the creation of the world to the sacrifice of His Son for our sins.

These stories serve as a reminder that God’s love is unconditional, unwavering, and unending.

Through moments of forgiveness, grace, and compassion, we see how God’s love transforms lives and offers hope to those in need.

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is a powerful example of God’s unconditional love and acceptance.

Despite societal norms and prejudices, Jesus engaged in a meaningful conversation with her, offering her living water that would quench her spiritual thirst forever.

This interaction shattered barriers of gender, ethnicity, and religion, demonstrating God’s inclusive love for all.

In this story, we see how Jesus looked beyond the woman’s past mistakes and extended compassion and understanding.

He acknowledged her brokenness but also saw her potential for transformation. Through this encounter, Jesus revealed that God’s love knows no bounds and reaches out to even those society deems unworthy or outcast.

As we reflect on this and other examples in the Bible, may we be inspired to emulate God’s love in our own lives and spread His message of love and salvation to others, loving as God loves.

This is the word of the Lord.