Parallel Faith: Being a Disciple of Jesusናሙና

Day 3 | Loving Like Jesus

Flick through your music playlist and you can virtually guarantee that many of the songs will be about one major theme: love. Musicians have written countless songs about losing love, finding love, missing a loved one, wishing for love, searching for love, and being grateful for love. Love is at the heart of music because it’s at the heart of life.

Did you know that the word amateur actually comes from a French word meaning “lover”? A professional does something out of obligation because they must do it to fulfill a role; an amateur does something because they love it. What if the church needs more amateurs—those who act not out of obligation but obsession? The call to discipleship is a call to walk in intimacy with Christ. It’s about developing a dynamic relationship with God, which is the opposite of going through the religious motions.

Yet, the love we’re talking about here as a disciple is not to be confused with Hollywood-style romantic love. It’s not the conditional kind that goes up and down with the seasons and feelings. It never runs out, nor does it constantly need topping up. It doesn’t give up or flip-flop based on circumstances.

In answer to what the greatest commandment is, Jesus replied with this challenge to his followers, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” This was immediately followed by “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

There are so many reasons why loving our neighbors can be difficult at times. Whether navigating differences, struggling with communication, or tackling conflicting priorities, we need a power beyond ourselves to keep our hearts strong when the Hollywood glow fades.

Jesus taught us that out of our love for God would flow a deep sense of love for others. The Bible says we love God because he first loved us. What if your full-time job was to receive God’s love?

Want to show love? Be loved by Christ.

Want to show grace? Receive grace from Christ.

Want to show forgiveness? Receive forgiveness from Christ.

Receiving is the starting point of loving others. See others the way God sees them. Then you will treat others the way you want to be treated. This is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. It’s not about doing more, trying harder, or digging deeper. Our task is simply to believe and receive. Out of this abiding place, we can begin to love like Christ.