Another way that Jesus showed love to the disciples was by spending time with them, talking and listening. Communication is key in all of our relationships. If we don’t take the time to get to know people and really listen to what they’ve got to say, our relationships aren’t going to work out well. Jesus spent a lot of time with the disciples. They came with Him on His mission trips, they ate together, and they visited family and friends. Jesus could have done everything on His own, but He chose to invest in other people and bring them along on the journey. It’s important that we don’t isolate ourselves. The Bible reminds us that we shouldn’t be ‘giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.’ We can’t love other people God’s way if we’re avoiding spending time with them. Plus, we need to be giving people our undivided attention. We shouldn’t be on our phones in the middle of a conversation, or planning what we want to say instead of concentrating on what the other person is saying to us. When Jesus sacrificed His time to help and encourage the disciples, He was showing them that they were important to Him. If we’re going to show God’s love to those around us, we need to act in a way which shows them that they’re valued and important. But Jesus also knew when to take time away from people, and spend time with God. The Bible says: ‘Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed’ (Luke 5:16 NIV). If we’re going to love others well, we need to make sure we’re spending time alone with God so that we’re filled up with His love to share with others. 

What Now?

Arrange to meet up with one of your friends. When you see them, make sure you give them your undivided attention and make them feel valued.