Do Christians Really Love Others?

"How can Christians really walk in the love of God?" is a question we all need to ask ourselves. You may say, it is impossible to love, like Jesus loved. Historically, Jesus is the symbol of perfect love. Too often we see Christian as angry bigoted and unloving.

Jesus was one of the most transformative figures of our time. He is known not only know to love Christians but the whole world. One of the most quoted Bible scriptures, John 3:16, speaks of his undying affection for humanity.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son..." His name provokes praise from those who love him, and cursing for those who hate him. No matter where you stand on the subject, he is a powerful spiritual and historical symbol.

Mark 12:31, The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (NIV)

Jesus Christ taught us to love our neighbor, as ourselves. Mark 12:31. Who is my neighbor, you may ask? Is it just the guy who lives next door to me, or is it more than that? Perhaps your neighbor is anyone who lives on this planet. Are you a considerate neighbor?

Do you play your music too loud, or let your dog relieve himself on your neighbor's lawn, are you the only one on the block who refuses to recycle? If you do these things, I would say, you are not loving the folks next door like Jesus would.

There is a great saying that came out a few years ago. I have since seen it on bracelets and tee shirts and the like. It asks the question, "What would Jesus do?" It is the question you ask, when in doubt of your behavior towards others. If you want to love like Jesus, turn down the music, keep your dog in your own yard, and let's go green with everyone else.

It is the question every Christian should ask him/herself, when in doubt of their behavior towards others. If you want to love like Jesus, turn down the music, keep your dog in your own yard, and let's go green with everyone else.

Matthew 5:44 says, "But I say to you, Have love for those who are against you, and make prayer for those who are cruel to you" (BBE)

We have to respect each other, and accept that everyone has the right to exist, peacefully. Give a little, then give a little more. Don't let small disagreements escalate to huge problems. Listen to each other and really hear what they are saying. It is a real hard thing to love our enemies, yet, God commands us to do so.

Our dislike for others can become a problem, whether the offense is actual or imagined. If we have strong disagreements with others and are unable to sit down to negotiate a reasonable agreement, you can have a real problem.

Do you hate immigrants, or Muslims, the Democrats, the Republicans? Do you refuse to forgive family members that have hurt you? Then your religion is vain, and you are not walking in the love of God.

Proverbs 19:17 “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” (NIV)

Jesus Christ showed his love and compassion for the poor and unwanted. Mother Theresa, of Calcutta, is one of the greatest modern-day examples of the love of God. She is well known for caring for the sick, homeless and lepers.

You think you know how to love? Would you wash and dress the feet of someone whose toes are falling off, because of an incurable disease? Mother Theresa was an amazing woman, and many call her a saint! I think we are pretty much not expected to go to a leper colony, to show we care about others. Everyone does not have that calling; I know I don't.

We can do something to help the indigent, that doesn't entail us abandoning our lifestyles. Are you willing to donate your money, or roll up your sleeves and work at a shelter or soup kitchen? We are our brother's keeper, and we are responsible one to another. It is what makes us human, what make us better people!

John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends".

Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. There were many men and women, who became heroes, during the Nazi occupation of Germany and the surrounding cities. During this dark time, some made a decision, to hide Jews in their homes and on their farms. If it were not for the bravery of a few, these innocent people would have surely been caught and put to death.

What courage it must have taken, to do such a thing, in spite of their own fears, of being caught and executed. It is natural to want to protect you own family but to risk your life, from someone not related to you, shows great compassion. This kind of benevolence, does not come from the heart of mere man, but I believe is supernatural; it is spiritual in nature.

1Jn 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

In life, you will encounter broken people, angry, detached or self-absorbed. In contrast when we see someone genuine and kind, they seem so amazing. The word love is a verb; and if you remember your elementary school grammar, a verb is an action word. It is something we do, rather than only something we feel. We must make a decision, to respond in love.

Dusty Springfield sang the son, 'What the world needs now, is Love Sweet Love." It sent a good message to us, that made us stop and think, if only for a moment, what it would be like, if everyone loved everyone else. The scripture has given so certain guidelines, on how to love like Jesus loved. It's there for the reading and the doing. The message is ancient. and as basic as, doing unto others, as you would have others, do unto you!