Session 4

This kind of love cannot be overlooked

From Showing Visible Love: A 7-Day Devotional

When you think of standing out, what comes to mind?

Perhaps it’s the celebrity with thousands of Instagram followers. Maybe, it’s the colleague who hits every goal or the girl every guy seems to like. How about the athlete who plays every game while your kid sits on the bench? There’s also the gigantic house that towers over its neighbors or the teenager whose bright pink hair and wild fashion make people look twice.

To most of us, standing out means having to be bigger or bolder. But Jesus describes a different way to get others attention — through the way we love one another.

We don’t have to push the boundaries with what we wear or climb the corporate ladder to stand out. As Jesus followers, we are called to love others as Jesus loves us (John 13:35). That kind of love can’t be hidden. Like a light breaking into a dark room, Jesus’ love shining through us breaks through the mundane of our day to day (Matthew 5:14-16).

Anyone can profess love verbally. But the selfless, unconditional love Jesus demonstrates is more than just words (James 2:17). Jesus proved His love for us through action. He left heaven and came to Earth to live among us. He traveled from town to town healing and helping those who were hurting. And in His greatest act of love, Jesus gave His life so we could experience forever with Him.

These days, love that proves itself through action is scarce. Many people don’t even know such a love exists, nor do they recognize their need for it. That is why Jesus put so much emphasis on freely and consistently loving those around us.

Real love is more than surface level. It is not fickle, and it does not demand anything in return. When we’ve been loved well, we know it. It causes us to do a double take, to feel deeply, and to tell others about it. A tangible love that reflects Jesus’ heart shines too brightly for people to ignore.

Reflect:

• Do your actions match what you say about love? Why or why not?
• What’s one way you can love someone intentionally and actively today?