How to Love Others Like Christ

How to Love Others Like Christ

By: Walks With The Lord

Loving others like Christ is one of the greatest commands we have as followers of Jesus. Yet, it can also be one of the most challenging. Jesus didn’t just love when it was easy—He loved when it was hard, when it was painful, and when it cost Him everything. He loved the unlovable, forgave the unforgivable, and gave freely without expecting anything in return. As Christians, we are called to that same radical, sacrificial, and unconditional love.

But how do we love like Christ in a world that often promotes selfishness, pride, and division? What does it truly look like to walk in His footsteps when it comes to love?

Let’s explore this journey together and discover how we can grow in our ability to love others like Christ.

1. Love Begins with God

Before we can understand how to love others, we must recognize that love originates from God Himself.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7 (ESV)

Jesus is the perfect picture of God’s love in human form. He is love incarnate. When we draw near to Him, we begin to reflect His nature. If we want to love like Christ, we must abide in Him daily—through prayer, reading Scripture, and living in obedience.

Loving others like Christ isn’t about trying harder; it’s about staying connected to the One who is love.

2. Love Sacrificially

True love often requires sacrifice. Jesus showed us this most clearly at the cross.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13 (NIV)

Christ laid down His life for us not because we were worthy, but because He loved us. Sacrificial love puts others' needs above our own. It may mean giving up our time, resources, or comfort for someone else's good. It could be something as small as listening patiently to someone in pain or something as big as forgiving a deep hurt.

Loving like Jesus requires a heart that says, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” even when it costs us something.

3. Love Unconditionally

Jesus didn’t love only those who loved Him back. He loved sinners, tax collectors, prostitutes, and even the very ones who nailed Him to the cross.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:44-45a (NIV)

Unconditional love is not based on someone’s behavior, appearance, or ability to reciprocate. It's a decision to love no matter what.

This doesn’t mean enabling sin or abuse—it means choosing compassion over judgment, forgiveness over bitterness, and peace over retaliation.

When we love those who are hard to love, we display the heart of Christ.

4. Love with Compassion and Grace

Time and again, the Gospels tell us that Jesus was “moved with compassion.” He saw people’s pain and acted.

“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

To love like Christ means to slow down and truly see people—their struggles, their pain, their humanity. It’s easy to rush past people and their needs, especially in our busy, distracted world. But Christ calls us to be present, to care, and to extend grace.

Instead of criticizing, we can encourage. Instead of judging, we can listen. Instead of turning away, we can reach out.

Compassionate love can soften even the hardest heart.

5. Love in Truth

While Christ was endlessly compassionate, He never compromised truth. He spoke with honesty, even when it was difficult.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)

Loving others doesn’t mean ignoring sin or avoiding hard conversations. True love sometimes calls people higher. But it must be done in a spirit of humility, not condemnation.

When we correct others, we must ask ourselves: Am I doing this to build them up or to make myself feel better? Love speaks truth not to wound, but to heal.

6. Love Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness may be one of the most powerful expressions of Christ-like love.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

Jesus forgave Peter for denying Him. He forgave the woman caught in adultery. He even forgave those who crucified Him.

When we forgive, we release others from the debt they owe us, just as God released us from the debt we owed Him. Forgiveness sets both the giver and the receiver free.

It’s not always easy, but with God’s help, it is always possible.

7. Love Through Service

Christ’s love was hands-on. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, washed His disciples' feet, and cared for the outcast.

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

To love like Christ is to be willing to serve—without fanfare or reward. It might look like babysitting for a single mom, visiting the elderly, bringing a meal to someone sick, or simply offering a shoulder to cry on.

Service turns love into action.

An Invitation to Love

Loving like Christ is a lifelong journey. We won’t always get it right. But each day, we can ask the Lord to shape our hearts more like His and give us opportunities to reflect His love to the world.

Ask yourself:

  • Who in my life is hard to love, and how can I love them like Christ?

  • Is there someone I need to forgive?

  • How can I show sacrificial or compassionate love this week?

Your Turn

We’d love to hear from you. How do you love others like Christ in your daily life? What’s been the most challenging part—and the most rewarding?

Share your thoughts, stories, and advice in the comments. Let’s grow together as a community of believers striving to reflect the love of Jesus.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us with an everlasting, unfailing love. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to show us what true love looks like. We confess that it is often hard to love others the way You call us to. Our pride, fears, and wounds get in the way. But we ask for Your help, Lord.

Fill our hearts with Your Spirit so we can love sacrificially, forgive freely, speak truth with grace, and serve with joy. Help us to see others the way You see them. Teach us to walk in compassion, humility, and patience. Let our love be a light that points others to You.

In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.

With love and grace,
Walks With The Lord

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