Love One Another

Written by: Joe, Life Group Director

Jesus gave his disciples a new command: “Love one another: just as I have loved you” (John 13:34). He said this after washing their feet, taking the place of a servant. The next day, he would show them the full extent of his love by giving his life for them. Jesus didn’t just tell his disciples to love one another. He showed them what that love looks like.

We use the word love in a lot of different ways. Sometimes we mean a feeling, and sometimes we mean being kind or helping when it’s convenient. Those things can be part of love, but Jesus calls us to something deeper: loving others with the humility and generosity he has shown us. That kind of love may mean reaching out when we would rather stay comfortable, listening when we are distracted, or helping when our own week is already full. Sometimes we have to choose to act before we feel especially eager to do so, trusting the Holy Spirit to grow our care for one another as we obey.

That love begins with what God has done for us. Jesus gave himself for us when we had nothing to offer him, so we don’t have to earn God’s favor by being especially loving. We can care for others because we have already received God’s grace in Christ. And that grace is meant to flow through us into the lives of the people around us.

At Gateway Church, Life Groups give us a regular place to put this into practice. We meet to study God’s Word and grow as disciples, while also getting to know one another well enough to notice when someone needs prayer, encouragement, or practical help. Jesus said that people would recognize his disciples by their love for one another, so the way we care for each other can be a powerful witness to the people around us.

As your group meets this season, think about the people around you. Is there someone you could check in on this week, or a need you could help with? Maybe someone would appreciate a meal, a ride, or a friend who will sit and listen. If someone has missed a few meetings, a quick message could let them know they were noticed. And when there is tension, love may mean having an honest conversation, admitting where you were wrong, and being ready to forgive.

So the challenge for the rest of this Life Group season is this: be intentional about letting the love God has shown us shape the way we love the people in our groups. That means asking the Holy Spirit to help us love with the humility, patience, and selflessness we see in Jesus, even when it costs us something. As we care for one another and help each other grow, our groups can reflect Jesus to each other and to the world around us. Jesus said that by our love, people would know we are his disciples.

These acts of love don’t have to be dramatic. A thoughtful message, a sincere prayer, or a little extra time can mean a lot to someone. We won’t always get it right, but we can ask for forgiveness, extend grace, and keep learning to love one another like Jesus.

If you aren’t connected to a Life Group, we’d love to help you find one. Fill out the Life Group Interest Form, and our team will help you take the next step. A group is a place to grow in God’s Word, care for others, and receive care too.