Ryan was stuck behind an older man in the grocery store checkout line. The man was counting out exact change. Slowly. Fumbling with coins. The cashier was patient, but the people behind Ryan were sighing loudly.
Ryan felt his jaw tighten. He had things to do. This was taking forever. Then he noticed: the man’s hands were shaking. Arthritis. His shopping cart contained only a small selection of items: bread, canned soup, and bananas.
Ryan took a breath. What would Jesus do right now? The real Jesus. The One who noticed people. Who saw dignity in a trembling old man counting pennies.
Ryan stepped forward. “Hey, sir, let me get this for you.” The man’s eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, son. That was exceedingly kind.”
Before we look at how to love, let us clear up what it is not:
- It is not a feeling: You will not always feel “warm fuzzies” for everyone. Jesus did not always feel affection, but He always chose love.
- It is not being a doormat: Jesus loved people, but He also set boundaries. He said “no” and walked away when He needed to.
- It is not fixing everyone: Sometimes love means letting someone struggle so they can grow.
Christlike love is seeing people as image-bearers of God—loved, valuable, and worth His life—and wanting their good more than your own comfort.
6 Everyday Ways to Practice LoveWhen you lose your patience or act selfishly, do not spiral into guilt:
- Confess it: To God and to the person you hurt.
- Receive grace: You are saved by the One who already loved perfectly.
- Try again: Tomorrow brings new mercies.
A Prayer for the Week:
Lord, I want to love like You. Teach me to see people the way You see them. Give me Your compassion for the difficult, Your patience with the annoying, and Your heart for the invisible. Amen.