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1 John 4:11 (NIV) “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
Unconditional love is a powerful force that surpasses all boundaries and overcomes all obstacles. It is a love that gives freely without expecting to receive something in return. This love accepts people as they are, faults and all, and sees the best in them.
Our text reveals, “since God so loved us, we ought to love one another.” Jesus showed us the ultimate example of unconditional love by sacrificing His life on the cross for our sins. He didn’t have to do this but did it because He loved us unconditionally. And in doing so, He demonstrated that love transcends a feeling; it is an action.
So what does it mean to show unconditional love? It means putting the needs and well-being of others before our own. Similarly, it means forgiving others when they hurt us, even when they don’t ask for forgiveness. In addition, it means being patient with those who annoy us and being kind to those who are unkind. Furthermore, it means treating others with the same respect and dignity that we want for ourselves.
Showing unconditional love can be challenging, especially when interacting with difficult people or situations. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do it. We can pray for the strength and wisdom to love others as Christ loved us. Additionally, we can ask for the Holy Spirit’s assistance in our interaction with others, which will help us to see them as God sees them.
Again we can show unconditional love by serving others. Jesus said, “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'”(Matthew 25:40). When we serve others, we are showing them that we love them and care about their well-being. We are also demonstrating the love of Christ to them.
Practicing this love means putting others’ needs before our own, forgiving others, being patient and kind, treating others with respect and dignity, and serving others. May we always strive to love others as Christ loved us, and may His love shine through us to a world in need of love and hope.
How do you handle the challenges of loving difficult people?
Father, empower my love level to a new dimension, in Jesus’ name.
Rotimi Oluwaseyitan is the Lead Pastor at Christ Royal Assembly and founder of Rotimi Oluwaseyitan Ministries. He has authored six books, including Exceeding Riches of His Grace, GraceNow Devotional, Prophetic Prayer Handbook, The fellowship of the Holy Spirit, Dealing with the Spirit of Herod, and the Mistakes of Lot. He is passionate about prayer and the word. He hosts a monthly prayer meeting online every first day of the month.
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