We Are on a Mission to Love

Why should we engage in deep community within the church? Why should we prioritize love? Because this love, this selfless, Christ-like love, is God’s chosen method to reach and transform the world. It’s not just dramatic; it’s the mission Jesus gave us.

Sometimes we think that love is just a virtue to practice. But God has a plan for so much more than that. Love is how God draws people to himself. In John 13:35, Jesus makes it clear: the world will know we belong to Him by how we love one another.

This love isn’t passive or shallow. It’s active, sacrificial, and intentional. It’s the kind of love that makes the church stand out in a world where relationships are often transactional or surface-level. As 1 John 4:12 says, when we love like Jesus, people see God in us.

1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that without love, even the most extraordinary spiritual gifts are meaningless. Faith that moves mountains, prophetic insight, or acts of generosity — none of it counts without love. A church without love is like a noisy gong or a shallow trinket. It’s not what God intended. God’s design for His Church reflects His character. Not shallow, but rich in love and mercy.

Creating this kind of community isn’t someone else’s responsibility. It’s not the pastor’s job or the responsibility of a select few. It’s the responsibility of ALL of us. Each one of us is called to love, lay down our own agendas, and intentionally build relationships that reflect Jesus.

It’s only when we all accept this responsibility, to prioritize love and take a step deeper into community, that we fulfil the vision God has for His church – to change the world!

Reflect

• Am I building relationships in my life that reflect Jesus?
• Are there opportunities for me to prioritize loving others?
• This week, what practical things could I try or do to engage deeper in church community?