Discover meaningful ways to love others with the love of Christ with practical, biblical wisdom to strengthen your relationships.
The original blog post, 10 Biblical Ways to Love, served as the inspiration for this podcast series on love and forgiveness. As we reflected on my top blog post on this website, Larissa and I realized there was so much more to explore—how to apply these truths in real-life relationships, how to let Christ’s love flow through us, and how to build habits that reflect His unconditional love.
Throughout this month, we will be diving deeper into Scripture, sharing personal stories, and offering fresh insights to help you live out God’s command to love others with grace and intentionality.
Loving Others Well Takes More than a Good Intention
We all know the importance of love. It’s written about, preached on, and celebrated in countless ways. But knowing something and living it are two different things. What happens when the person we’re supposed to love gets on our last nerve? Or when someone’s actions hurt us deeply? In moments like these, love can feel more like an impossible ideal than a practical reality.
Yet, this is precisely when love’s transformative power makes the biggest impact. Jesus didn’t call us to love others only when it’s convenient. Instead, He commanded us to love with the same sacrificial, unconditional love He demonstrated. It’s a love that goes beyond fleeting emotions—a love grounded in humility, patience, and grace.
The truth is, we can’t muster this kind of love on our own. It flows through us as we abide in Christ, letting His Spirit work within us. When we align our hearts with His, even small acts of kindness and care can create ripples of hope and healing. In this post, we’ll explore biblical principles and meaningful ways to love others with the love of Christ.
Loving like Jesus requires more than our human effort. It’s about letting Christ’s love flow through us. Let’s explore practical steps to live out this habit of hope with purpose and grace.
A Command to Love: John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
This isn’t a polite suggestion. Jesus gives a direct command: love one another as He loved us. But this isn’t just any love—it’s agape love. It’s the kind of love that sacrifices, forgives, and keeps showing up even when it’s inconvenient. And that’s where the challenge begins. It’s easy to love when others behave, but what about when they don’t? When others don’t agree with me or when they don’t do what I want them to do, it takes more intention and effort to show love.
Loving others with Christ’s love means relying on the Holy Spirit, not on our own strength and effort. True love flows from receiving and abiding in the love of Christ. When we live this out, it sets us apart. Jesus said that love would be the distinguishing mark of His disciples. When we love well, people take notice and see a reflection of Christ. It can become a powerful way of sharing the gospel that reaches deeper than words.
Learning to Let Christ’s Love Flow Through You
“Live loved.” When you are secure in God’s love for you, it becomes more natural to extend that same love to others. However, this habit requires intentionality. One of the most practical ways to live it out is to start your day abiding in Christ. Spend time in prayer and Scripture, asking God to fill your heart with His love.
When frustrations inevitably arise, pause and pray before reacting. Even a one-second pause to pray, “Lord, express your love through me,” can prevent unnecessary hurt. This is a more powerful prayer than asking the Lord to “help” us love others better. This small shift in perspective makes a big difference. Spend time with the Lord, receiving His love, reflecting on what He has done for us, how He has forgiven us so unconditionally. Ask Him to fill us with His love and let it overflow to those around us.
Love is often expressed in simple, everyday actions. Serving others by offering a meal, helping with a task, or sharing a kind word can have a profound ripple effect. Words are powerful too. Scripture calls us to speak words that build others up. Eliminating sarcasm and replacing criticism with encouragement demonstrates love in action.
Biblical Insights on Loving Others
The Bible offers clear and practical ways to cultivate love for others through humility, encouragement, and care. Let’s break down these truths and how we can apply them:
- Philippians 2:3-5: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.”
- This verse leaves no wiggle room for selfish motives. “Do nothing,” as in not one thing, rules out our tendency to make allowances or excuses for ourselves.
- Putting others first challenges us to overcome self-centered habits. It’s easy to see life through the lens of “What about me?” Think how easy it is to want the biggest brownie, a reflection of how ingrained our selfish nature can be. The Lord often reminds me to practice giving others the first choice or the best option as a practical way to give preference to others.
- In The Purpose-Driven Life, Rick Warren explains, “Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself; it means thinking of yourself less.” The simplicity of this quote helps me understand humility better.
- Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
- Devotion involves commitment, loyalty, and intentional care. This type of devotion isn’t contingent on convenience but is a lifestyle of putting others’ needs before your own. Honor in relationships strengthens trust and reflects the heart of Christ.
- Consider what it means to be devoted: it’s showing up for people, especially in their times of need. It’s choosing to be present, even when you’re busy or tired. This kind of consistent love builds lasting relationships.
- Romans 14:19: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
- Encouraging others builds them up and brings peace. Words have the power to make others feel seen and valued in their struggles. We live in a world saturated with criticism, and encouragement can be a rare gift.
- Mutual edification means lifting each other up. It’s not a one-sided effort. We’re called to create environments where everyone can thrive through encouragement and support.
- Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.”
- Our speech should reflect God’s love. Replacing sarcasm and negativity with life-giving words is a countercultural act of grace. Words can heal or hurt, and we’re instructed to choose them wisely.
- One practical approach to this verse is to perform a self-check before speaking: Are my words helpful? Are they necessary? Am I speaking life or draining hope from someone?
- 1 Corinthians 12:25: “So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.”
- True care extends beyond words. Offering practical help, emotional support, and presence is essential to showing love. Think about times when you’ve been cared for—whether through a meal delivery, a thoughtful text, or a friend showing up unannounced to help with a task. These gestures, though seemingly small, have profound effects.
- Unity in the body of Christ grows when we make efforts to genuinely care for others without expecting anything in return. Equal concern fosters a spirit of compassion and empathy.
Each of these scriptures reinforces that love is not merely an emotion; it’s a series of choices and habits that reflect the heart of Christ.
How to Practice Love Through Daily Actions
Consider a variety of practical ways to show the love of Christ to others. It can mean so much to people when they experience the love of Jesus flowing through us.
- Receive Christ’s Love Daily
- Begin each day with prayer and Scripture, asking God to fill your heart with His unconditional love.
- Reflect on God’s forgiveness and grace to increase your capacity to love others.
- Pause and Pray Before Reacting
- When conflicts arise, take a moment to pause and pray for patience and understanding.
- A simple prayer like “Lord, help me respond in love” can save you from hurtful reactions.
- See Others Through God’s Eyes
- Shift your perspective by viewing others as God’s beloved creation.
- Pray for those who challenge you and ask God to soften your heart toward them.
- Serve Others in Small Ways
- Offer tangible acts of kindness such as bringing a meal, helping with a task, or sending a thoughtful message.
- Remember, small acts can create a ripple effect of care and encouragement.
- Speak Words that Build Up
- Be mindful of your words, replacing sarcasm and criticism with encouragement.
- Make it a habit to speak life and hope into others’ lives.
- Cultivate Gratitude
- Focus on God’s faithfulness to cultivate a heart of gratitude.
- Gratitude can reduce criticism and improve your interactions with others.
- Practice Humility
- Put others’ needs ahead of your own by giving them preference in small situations.
- Practice letting go of self-centered thinking by choosing humility daily.
- Care for Others Actively
- Reach out to someone in need by offering emotional support, physical help, or prayer.
- Small gestures like a text message or phone call can make someone feel seen and valued.
- Be Intentional
- Spend five minutes each day encouraging someone with a kind word, note, or small act of service.
- Set reminders to help you develop this new habit consistently.
- Ask God to Help You Notice Others’ Needs
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- Pray for greater awareness of the needs around you and ask God to guide your responses.
- Stay open to “on-the-go” care opportunities in your daily routine.
Love that Makes a Difference
Imagine what could happen if we all made a habit of depending on Christ to love others through us. Our focus would shift from ourselves to those around us, and we’d begin to see the world through God’s eyes. One small act of love can remind someone that they are deeply cherished by their Creator.
Real love—Christ’s love—has the power to change lives, including your own. By choosing to love others with intention, you become part of God’s plan to bring hope and healing into the world. Step out in faith this week and see how small acts of love can spark something extraordinary.
Moments to Love One Another in Ginger’s Book
Dive deeper into the power of love by reading Holy in the Moment. You’ll find inspiration and practical ideas to love God and to love others with simple daily choices. (This is an affiliate link which means I earn a small commission on purchases at no cost to you.)
Share Printable Quotes on Love
Enjoy one of my popular quote bundles with this printable pack of cards featuring quotes on love. Perfect to tuck into a card or share with a friend, these cards will give you a tangible way to express love. Perfect to add a creative touch to Valentine’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or just because!
Recent Episodes
19. Important Truths to Anchor Your Heart in Hope this Year
In this episode of the Habits of Hope Podcast, we’re diving into 8 powerful biblical truths that will anchor your heart in hope this year. From God’s unshakable love to His perfect timing and eternal promises, these truths provide the foundation you need to navigate life’s storms with confidence and peace. Whether you’re battling anxiety, waiting on answers, or simply longing for a fresh perspective, this episode is filled with practical encouragement and Scriptural wisdom to remind you that hope is always within reach.
20.How to Break Free from Sugar Addiction for Holistic Health with Christine Trimpe
What if breaking free from sugar addiction could unlock a life filled with joy, health, and hope? In this powerful episode, author, speaker, and health coach Christine Trimpe joins us to share her incredible journey from sugar shackles to sugar freedom. With over 100 pounds lost and a new life gained, Christine’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and holistic healing. Discover how small habits, fueled by God’s strength, can lead to lasting transformation in your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
21.Habit Stacking for Christians: Build Faith and Hope One Step at a Time
What if even the smallest moments of your day could transform your faith and hope? In this insightful episode, Ginger and Larissa dive into the power of tiny, intentional habits to create spiritual growth and lasting hope. From habit stacking to celebrating small wins, they explore how being faithful in the little things can make a big difference. Inspired by Matthew 25:21, this episode offers practical tips, relatable stories, and encouraging truths to help you live with intention and deepen your walk with God.
Related Content on Love
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- 10 Biblical Ways to Show Love
- Six Powerful Lessons on Love and Humility from the Last Supper
- 20 Powerful Blessings and Scriptures to Pray for Marriage
- Who Is My Neighbor?
- Will I Love My Neighbor?
- 26 Short Quotes on Love + Free Printable Pack
- To the One Who’s Forgotten She Matters: 10 Ways to Love Yourself
- How to Love God with Your Life
So glad you're here. I help busy women—gals like you— build healthy habits for living well with biblical wisdom and practical steps to deepen your faith, increase your hope, and thrive in your purpose.
