Loving Like Jesus: A Life Formed in Devotion, Discipleship and Mission

Loving like Jesus is not just a belief we hold but a life we live. It shapes how we respond to people, handle tension, extend forgiveness, and choose truth even when it is difficult. Following Jesus is not only about believing in Him, it is about becoming more like Him. If those closest to us observed the way we love, would they see the patience, grace, truth, and compassion of Christ reflected in us?

In John 8:1–11, Jesus demonstrates what this love looks like when the woman caught in adultery is brought before Him. Instead of condemning or ignoring her sin, He responds with both grace and truth. He silences the accusers and tells her, “Neither do I condemn you… go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus shows us that real love does not crush people with truth or compromise truth in the name of grace. Love holds both truth and grace together.

The early church embodied this same love through devotion, discipleship, and mission. Acts 2:42 tells us they devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and breaking bread together. Their love flowed first from devotion to God. As Jesus says in John 15:5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” We cannot give love we are not first receiving.

From devotion came discipleship, lives transformed together in community. They encouraged one another, carried burdens, practiced forgiveness, and grew through shared life. Loving like Jesus was not formed in isolation but through real relationships where grace, honesty, and commitment were required daily.

Mission then became the overflow of who they had become. Acts 2:47 shows that their witness drew others to God, not simply because of what they preached, but because of how they lived. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Their love became visible evidence of Christ.

Ultimately, loving like Jesus is not about perfection but formation. It is a daily choice to remain connected to Him, to be shaped in community, and to live outwardly with compassion and truth. As devotion anchors us, discipleship forms us, and mission flows through us, the world does not just hear about Jesus, they encounter Him through the way we love.

Lucy Okenkali
Volunteer-Wasaidizi and Growth Teams
Gabon