April 20 – Loving as Christ Loved

“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”
— John 13:34-35
 
 
Resurrection life is recognizable. Jesus tells His disciples that the distinguishing mark of their faith will not be knowledge, influence, or success—but love. Not generic kindness, but love patterned after His own self-giving love. The cross defines what that love looks like: patient, sacrificial, forgiving, steady. Because Christ has loved us first, we are invited to reflect that love into the world around us.
 
Pause and consider the nature of your love. Ask yourself: Is my love selective or consistent? Do I love only when it is convenient or when I feel appreciated? Where is Christ inviting me to love more deeply or sacrificially? What relationships test my willingness to love as He has loved me? Loving like Jesus often requires humility, patience, and courage. It moves beyond sentiment into action.
 
Today, choose one intentional act of Christlike love. It may be offering forgiveness, listening attentively, serving quietly, or speaking words of affirmation. Perhaps it means loving someone who is difficult, or showing kindness without expecting recognition. As you act, pray, “Lord, teach me to love as You have loved me.” Notice how love reshapes your posture and strengthens your witness. In loving others, you participate in the very heart of Christ.
 
 
Loving Father, thank You for loving me through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Help me love others with that same self-giving grace. Remove selfishness and fear from my heart, and fill me with patience and compassion. May my love reflect the character of Christ and draw others toward You. All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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