As we think a lot about love this month, we have to remember that love is at the very center of the Christian faith. Jesus taught us that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). This love is not just a feeling but an active, intentional way of living that reflects God’s heart to the world as they see the opposite so often. Here are some practical ways to show Christ’s love to others daily:
1. Listen with Compassion
Listening is one of the most loving things we can do for someone, and showcases not only our respect, but our care for someone. James 1:19 encourages us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Whether it’s a friend sharing a joy or a stranger expressing a need, giving your full attention is a powerful way to show you care. You may also learn something new, and build your relationship with them.
2. Offer Encouragement
We’ve all heard the phrase “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me”, and we all know it is far from true. Words have the power to uplift or tear down. Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Simple acts of encouragement—like complimenting someone’s effort or expressing your gratitude—can brighten their day and reflect God’s love.
3. Extend Grace and Forgiveness
None of us are perfect, and we will often mess up and hurt someone. Jesus modeled perfect forgiveness, even as He suffered on the cross (Luke 23:34). In our daily lives, we can extend grace by forgiving those who hurt us, letting go of grudges, and treating others with patience and understanding. It’s important to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and perspective to help you not only ask for forgiveness, but also to forgive.
4. Be Generous with Your Time and Resources
1 John 3:18 urges us to love not just with words but with actions. This could mean volunteering, helping a neighbor, or supporting someone in need. Even small acts of generosity, like buying a coffee for a coworker or offering to help with a chore, can make a big difference in someone’s day.
5. Pray for Others
Prayer is one of the most impactful ways to love someone, and it helps you to love them even more as you think about how to pray for them. Take time to pray for the people in your life, asking God to bless, guide, and comfort them. Let them know you’re praying for them or ask them if there’s anything specific you can pray for—it can be incredibly encouraging to hear.
6. Live Humbly and Serve
Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Following Jesus’ example, we can serve others by putting their needs ahead of our own, which can be tough in our society. This could mean anything from holding the door open to helping a friend move. Ask God to help you look for opportunities to be a servant to others.
7. Share the Gospel
The ultimate act of love is to share the hope and salvation found in Jesus Christ. While this requires sensitivity and wisdom, letting others know about God’s love is a way to impact their lives for eternity. Need help in learning how to share more about your faith? Check out our Go page to learn more about how to share your faith in a simple and easy way for others to understand. You can also order our FREE packet of 20 Heaven Quiz cards on our Resources page. Hand them out to friends, family and others that you meet to spread the word that eternal life is freely available for all. Each card has a QR code that will direct them to Heavenistrue.com.
In all these actions, we remember 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.” Christ’s love can empower us to love others selflessly and sacrificially. By reflecting His love in our daily lives, we point people toward Him and fulfill our purpose as His followers.
So go out today and show His love—it might change someone’s life, including your own!