Life Is Messy, God Is GoodSample

What's Love Got to Do with It?

Messy truth: I wonder how different our love for others would look if we fully understood Jesus’ extravagant love for us.

My dad has never been one to give sentimental speeches or enjoy long bear hug greetings. He doesn’t gush with emotion or even close each conversation with an “I love you.” But he’s shown me that genuine love is far more than an emotion; it’s an action.

I think this is how Jesus wants us to show our love. He tells us to love Him by loving those around us. He doesn’t give us a list of the right words or approved agendas; He just asks us to love our neighbors freely and frequently without counting the cost.

Jesus modeled this kind of love. He didn’t reason with His friends when their brother died; He just wept. He didn’t scorn the woman at the well in her shame; He just offered living water. He didn’t judge the paralytic for not getting to the pool; He just healed him. He didn’t complain about the wasted perfume; He just cherished it.

And presenting this example, He said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

I think maybe the reason Jesus taught us to love practically instead of simply emotionally is because He knew there would be times when we lacked the right words. This practical side of love doesn’t even get identified with love sometimes. It’s just doing things so regularly and willingly that others don’t even think to call it love—it’s just you. It’s an “as you go” kind of love that comes with no explanation or expectation.

My dad’s love has been an invaluable gift of being present, helpful, and available. That’s the love Jesus desires for all of us: not expensive or eloquent, but always extravagant.