We all know that we’re called to love other people. Jesus said that loving God and loving other people is the greatest commandment (have a read of Mark 12:30-31). But loving others isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be really challenging. So let’s take a look at how Jesus loved the church, which began with twelve disciples, and use it to learn how we should love others. He loved them unconditionally. He loved the disciples despite their mistakes and flaws. They were human, and would get things wrong. They doubted and argued. Jesus was perfect, but He didn't let their mistakes change His love for them. It's the same for us. God sees everything we do, good and bad, and still loves us. There's nothing we can do to make Him love us more, and nothing we can do to make Him love us less. We're His children. The Bible says: 'See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!’ (1 John 3:1 NIV). He redeems every mistake we make, because of His love for us. He forgives us and restores us. Jesus did this for Peter after he had denied knowing Jesus three times. Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved Him (you can read about this in John 21). We’re told that 'since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.’ So how can we love others God’s way? We can offer forgiveness when they make mistakes, and we can love them as a child of God even if we don’t like the way they’re acting. We can love them unconditionally. 

What Now?

Thank God for His unconditional love for you, and then pray that you would love others like He does.