How to Love Others?

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Flood in Phnom Penh
There are moments in our daily life when God gently reminds us of who we are and who we belong to. Sometimes it happens in quiet moments during prayer. Sometimes during worship. And sometimes it happens in the most unexpected places. A crowded street. A busy market. Or even during a simple tuktuk ride to work on an ordinary morning.

Today was one of those mornings for me. It reminded me how love is not just something we talk about, but something we choose to live out every single day. And it reminded me of how God continues to shape us so that His love can be seen through us.

This blog is for the faith community, for new believers who are still learning to walk with God, for those who have wandered far from faith and are longing to come home, and even for those who may not believe yet but are curious about what it means to know a God who loves so deeply. My hope is that as you read this, you will feel encouraged and reminded that love is one of the most powerful ways God reveals Himself to the world.

A Morning Reminder

While I was riding a tuktuk on my way to the university, a motorcycle passed by quickly and splashed water on me. The road was still wet from the rain last night, and the splash caught me by surprise. My initial reaction could have been frustration. I could have been upset or annoyed at that rider who probably did not look where he was going.

I was reminded by the reflection I shared with my disciple Sheryl on John 13:34. It says, Love one another as I have loved you. It was almost like God placed that verse in front of my eyes at the exact moment I needed to see it.

My previous posts:
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💝Waiting season

I took a deep breath. Instead of reacting with anger, I whispered, Lord help me to love this person. Maybe he is in a hurry. Maybe he did not even notice what he did. Help me understand him.

My tuktuk driver slowed down and looked at me with concern. He probably thought I was upset or hurt. But I simply smiled and signaled that I was fine. We continued the ride, and my heart felt strangely light. Almost peaceful.

I knew this small moment was God reminding me again that love is not always easy. It is not always neat or convenient. Sometimes it comes with a splash of dirty water on a busy road. But love is a choice. It is a response to the love we have received from Christ.

And when we choose love, something inside us becomes free.

Love That Speaks Louder Than Words

One of the unspoken ways we show God’s salvation to others is through the way we express love. People may forget our words, but they do not forget how we made them feel. They do not forget how we treated them. They do not forget the kindness or patience we showed even when it cost us something.

Most of the time, people observe our actions more than our speeches. They watch how we respond in difficult moments. They watch how we treat those who hurt us. They watch how we deal with unfairness or inconvenience.

We all know how hard it is to show love to people who have wronged us or caused us pain. Sometimes it feels easier to walk away and pretend nothing happened. Sometimes the hurt is deep. But the truth is simple. We love because God loved us first. We did not deserve His love. We did not earn it. Yet He gave it freely. His love even cost Him His life.

If we are recipients of this great love, how can we not pass it on to others?

What Jesus Said About Love

Jesus always gave importance to love. Not just in words but in action. In John 13:34, He tells His disciples, Love one another as I have loved you. This command was not only for them but also for us today.

Jesus said something very important about love. He said that the world will know we are His disciples when they see how we love one another. People will know Jesus came for them when they see unity, kindness, patience, forgiveness, and compassion among His followers.

He knew the world would be full of anger, division, and hurt. That is why He gave us this responsibility. To be carriers of His love. To make His love visible through our daily lives. To let others see God in the way we treat them.

Love Is Evidence of Our Faith

Years after Jesus rose again, the apostle John wrote letters to believers, reminding them of what it means to truly love. He said love comes from God. He said if God loved us, then we should love one another. He said we love because He loved us first.

Then he said something very strong. If anyone says I love God but hates his brother, he is lying. Because we cannot claim to love God whom we do not see if we cannot love people whom we do see.

This is a message for every believer. For leaders, church volunteers, students, workers, parents, young people, even those who are new in faith. Our love for others is proof that God’s love is in us.

And for those who have been away from faith or unsure of God, this love is a glimpse of who God is. Sometimes before people hear the gospel, they first need to see the gospel through us.

A Call to Reconnect

Some people struggle to show love because of past hurts. Some feel distant from God and have lost their passion. Some are new believers and still learning. Some feel afraid to love again because they do not want to be hurt. Some feel unworthy of God’s love.

But I want to remind you today. God’s love is always available. He is always ready to help us love others. His grace is enough to restore hearts that have been broken. His mercy reaches those who have wandered far. His kindness brings people back home.

If you feel far from faith today, this is an opportunity to reconnect. If you feel weak, discouraged, or unsure, let God remind you that you are still loved. And if you feel God is calling you to show love in a difficult situation, trust that He will give you the strength.

Love is the bridge that often leads people back to God. And sometimes, the simple way you show love to someone becomes the doorway for them to experience the gospel again.

What You Can Do Today

Here are five simple and practical ways you can respond to this message:

1. Choose kindness when you feel irritated.

Ask yourself, How can I respond with love right now?

2. Pray for someone who has hurt you.

Ask God to give you a heart that forgives.

3. Reach out to someone who is struggling or feels alone.

Send a message. Check in. Offer your time.

4. Ask God to show you one person to love today.

It may be a family member, a coworker, or even a stranger.

5. Share your story of how God is teaching you to love.

Your testimony can encourage someone who needs hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who is the person God is asking me to love today?

  2. Is there anyone I need to forgive or understand more?

  3. How can my actions reflect the love of Christ in my daily routine?

  4. Have I allowed past hurts to stop me from loving?

  5. How can I be an example of God’s love to those who do not know Him?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for loving me first. Thank You for giving Your life for me even when I did not deserve it. Help me reflect Your love to others. Teach me to respond with kindness even when it is difficult. Give me a heart that forgives and understands. Help me love people the way You have loved me. Let my life be a light that leads others closer to You. Use my story, my actions, and my daily choices to show Your grace to the world. 
In Your name I pray. 
Amen!

If you have a similar experience or a moment when God reminded you to love others, I would love to hear it. You can type and share your story. It would be a blessing to read your response.

Blessings! 

Tess 💖😅😀

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