Exploring how to show the love of Christ…
You cannot be something that you are not! You cannot stop being the person you really are! This is all to do with being authentic.
‘Authenticity means erasing the gap between what you firmly believe inside and what you reveal to the outside world’ – Adam Grant
The most authentic person there has ever been is Jesus Christ. He never tried to impress anyone or act in any way that was untrue to Himself. His life was one of uncompromising love in action and He lived it with complete integrity. He calls those who follow Him to authentic, loving others in words and actions.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)
Loving others becomes easier when we realise how much God loves us. He calls us to share His love with them in word and action. This is where ‘the rubber hits the road’ – we need the help of God the Holy Spirit with this.
Two stories from Jesus illustrate the challenge of this and the power of showing this integrity.
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
A man was attacked on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho and left badly injured. Two people you might have expected to help him, a Priest and a Levite, passed by on the other side of the road. Finally a Samaritan, who was like an outcast and marginalised at the time, put himself at risk and went to his assistance. Jesus asked His questioner which one he thought had done the right thing to which the guy replied: “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
This is where the Good Shepherd separates some for blessing and the others for punishment. Those who have shown love in action through various acts of kindness are commended but those who have not lose out badly. Jesus says that when you show kindness to ‘strangers’, it is as if you have done it to Him. By contrast, harshness to strangers leads to discipline and loss of reward.
Here’s the punchline:
“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth:
Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’
Living out Christ-like love is at the heart of being a Christian – see the suggestions to be praying through. Ask for the presence of The Holy Spirit in your life to help you in this:
‘But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.’ (Galatians 5:22-23)
How to show the love of Christ
Here are some ways to embody God’s love, the love of Christ, in your daily life:
- Pray for Others – Lifting others up in prayer is a powerful way to show love and care for their well-being.
- Offer Genuine Encouragement – A kind word or affirmation can brighten someone’s day and remind them of their worth.
- Listen with Compassion – Giving someone your full attention without interrupting shows humility and care.
- Extend Forgiveness – Letting go of resentment and choosing to forgive reflects Christ’s love and grace.
- Serve Others Selflessly – Acts of kindness, like helping a neighbour or volunteering, demonstrate God’s love in action.
- Show Hospitality – Inviting others into your life, sharing meals, and offering support fosters a loving community.
For further reading: https://connect4life.org.uk/c4l-boosters/intentions/