As disciples, our love should imitate Jesus loves for us. But what exactly does that look like. In other words, how are we to love others as an imitation of Jesus’ love?
How are We to Love Others As an Imitation of Jesus’ Love?
(3) Jesus’ Love is Continual
It’s not temporary. He doesn’t love us for a time and drop us. He doesn’t fall out of love with us. Nor does He trade us in for a new model after a few years. Jesus’ love is continual. It never wanes or goes out. It always burns hot for us.
Likewise, our love for others should be the same. In 1 John 3:11, John commands us to
“Love one another.” (1 Jn 3:11b)
The Greek Grammatical category for love John uses is a customary present. It is important to know that because it tells us our love, just like Jesus’ love, should be continual. It should never go out. We should never fall out of love with someone. Instead, we should continually love them no matter what they do or how they act.
One really awesome thing about a lot of the couples in my church is that they have exhibited this type of love. There are a lot of couples who have celebrated 30, 40, 50 years of marriage, which is a great testament to continually loving someone over the years.
I mean in 30, 40, or 50 years a lot changes. Not only physically but also personally — people’s likes and dislikes, what they want out of life, and how they act — change. So to love someone despite those changes is a real testament to true love.
In the same way many of in my church have loved their spouse, we are supposed to love others — continually. Despite what they do and how they change. We are to love them.
Question for Reflection
- How have you loved someone continually?
Resources
Post adapted from the sermon Love Others – Growth through discipleship – week 3
Christianity Matters 
I’m curious to know your thoughts on why accountability wouldn’t fall on this list. As we are members of one another, I feel that accountability is something that is just so missing from the true definition of love in peoples minds today.
As Jesus held his disciples accountable and everyone he show love to, there was often a confession of sin involved – between one another, and acknowledgement that he knew the truth, carried the truth.
Although free of sin himself, he also acted very accountable to anyone who questioned him – no ignoring or dismissing no matter who they were. So all in all, if we are to love one another the way Jesus did, aren’t we to behave in a way that demonstrates accountability toward one another?
Good post, and keep up the good writing!
Mark,
Sorry I am just now getting back.
I agree accountability is a necessity and I believe it would fall under the list I provided as an application of self-sacrifice and unconditional love.
My thought with the series of posts was to provide big overview categories under which a lot of things like accountability could fall.
Thanks for commenting and pointing that out. I certainly believe accountability is necessary if we are going to love others well. We must speak the truth in love to one another (Eph 4).
Thanks for reading and the encouragement.
Blessings,
Casey