Love Compelled Him: Learning to Love Like Jesus
Introduction
Have you ever felt torn between doing what’s comfortable and doing what’s loving? You aren’t alone. In fact, that tension echoes a deeper struggle: how do we love others when it costs us something?
I’ve asked that question myself. While studying Scripture, I’ve seen Jesus’ love call us into harder paths — paths we don’t choose naturally.
In this post, I want to show you why love compelled Him (Jesus) and how it can compel us. And then I’ll give you steps to live that love today.
Why Love Compelled Him
He Gave Up His Privileges
First, remember who Jesus is: Creator, Lord, sovereign. Yet, love compelled Him to step into flesh and walk among us. (John 1:14)
Thus He relinquished privileges. And in doing so, He set the pattern: love is self-giving, not self-protecting.
He Prioritized People Over Protocol
Moreover, Jesus didn’t just serve easy or safe people. He went to the woman at the well. He healed the leper. He talked to a Roman centurion. He touched the untouchable. He saw people, not only problems.
In each case, love compelled Him to cross barriers.
He Served to the End
Furthermore, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. He showed compassion to the sick, the weary, the broken. And greatest of all, He died on the cross, not for Himself, but for us.
His love didn’t hold back.
He Balanced Truth and Grace
Also, in a world that sometimes elevates only grace or only truth, Jesus held both. He spoke carefully and lovingly. He confronted sin, yet showed mercy.
Thus love compelled Him to live in that tension.
The Problem: We Struggle to Love Like That
But here’s the rub: we want to love like Jesus. Yet we often fall short. We love conditionally. We hold back. We avoid conflict. We judge.
Why? Because love like Jesus costs us. It pushes us out of comfort, safety, reputation. And that is painful.
So many Christians feel guilt or confusion: “I tried to love, but I failed. Am I a hypocrite?” We wrestle with that question more than we admit.
Story Example
Let me share a story. A few years ago, I had a neighbor who was distant, irritable, and unfriendly. I tried small kindnesses. Yet she ignored me. One day, she let me in, not to be nice, but to vent. She was hurting.
In that moment, I faced a choice: walk away or stay. Love compelled me to stay. I listened, cried with her, prayed with her. Over time, our walls broke down. We became friends.
If I had chosen comfort, I’d have missed that relationship.
How to Let Love Compel You
Here are four practical steps. They’re simple, though sometimes hard.
1. Remember His Example Daily
Start your day by reading a story of Jesus’ love (Gospels). Let one example sink into your heart. Then ask: Where can I apply this today?
For instance, when Jesus visited Mary and Martha (Luke 10), He interrupted work with love. Maybe today you interrupt your schedule to connect.
2. See People, Not Problems
Shift your vision. When someone crosses your mind, pause and pray. See them as image-bearers, not labels or irritants.
If your coworker is grumpy, maybe they have pain. If your child is acting out, maybe there’s a struggle behind it.
3. Serve With Sacrifice
Love often involves giving, time, resources, humility.
It might mean apologizing first. It might mean listening when you’d rather talk. It might mean sacrificing your rest or plans for someone’s need.
4. Speak Truth in Grace
When correction is needed, aim for balance. Speak kindly, clearly, and with humility.
Don’t skip truth. But don’t weaponize it. Always wrap it in compassion.
5. Reflect and Repent
At day’s end, ask: Where did love compel me? Where did fear hold me back?
Confess the times you withheld love. Ask God to help you tomorrow.
Interactive Quiz: Which Area Does Love Need to Grow in You?
Take this quick quiz. Choose one answer per question. Tally your responses.
-
When someone hurts me, I usually:
a) Retreat and protect myself
b) Respond kindly but cautiously
c) Move in to help, even if risky -
When God asks me to step out, I feel:
a) Fear or resistance
b) Nervousness but willingness
c) Eagerness -
If someone corrects me, I:
a) Defend myself
b) Consider but resist
c) Listen humbly -
In relationships, I tend to:
a) Keep distance
b) Be friendly but safe
c) Be vulnerable and present
Mostly (a): You struggle with fear in love. The cost seems too high, so love holds back.
Mostly (b): You walk a middle path. You want to love, but your walls are still up.
Mostly (c): Love already compels you in many places. Keep growing and stretching.
Use your result to pray and focus. Ask God to help you in that area.
Why This Matters (Relevance)
When Christians love like Jesus, the world sees something real. Our families heal. Our churches become safe places. Our neighborhoods change.
Moreover, at the end of time, love is what we’ll stand on. Not our sermons, not our gifts, not our ministries—but love.
If we fail to let love compel us, we stay distant, powerless, safe, but ineffective.
Closing / Call to Action
So, what will you do? In the next 24 hours, pick one person you’ve avoided loving fully. Then do one small act of love: speak, serve, pray, listen.
Let Love Compelled Him be more than a phrase. Let it be your daily heartbeat.
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