Love Like Jesus Loved

Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.  

Reading: John 13:1–17, 34–35

Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.  
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.

Jesus gave us a "new commandment" the night before His crucifixion: love one another as He loved us. This isn't the Golden Rule (treat others as you want to be treated)—it's the Platinum Rule: love others as Jesus loved you. He washed feet knowing Judas would betray Him, knowing Peter would deny Him, knowing all would abandon Him. Yet He served anyway. How can we commit to love imperfect people? Because Jesus committed to love us while we were still sinners. Love isn't a feeling; it's a choice to pursue someone else's betterment regardless of their response. This week, identify one person in your church community who's difficult to love, and choose one action that demonstrates Christ's love toward them.   

Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…  

1. Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).  
2. Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Ask Jesus to help you love others with the same grace, patience, and humility He has shown you.
   
3. Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.  

Faith Steps:

1. Identify one person you’ve struggled to love well and intentionally bless or serve them this week.
2. Practice one act of humble service today without expecting recognition in return.