The Pain, Authority, and Promise
Do you ever feel like your love fails? Like you snap at a friend, let jealousy creep in, or hold a grudge too long? You’re not alone. Many of us fight to love well. Yet God calls us to a higher love, to love like Jesus.
Because I’ve walked through broken relationships myself, I’ve seen how relying on Christ’s love changes everything. In this post, I’ll show you why love seems to fail, how Jesus’ love sets the path, and practical ways to love like Him in your everyday life.
Why Love Sometimes Fails
The Problem in Our Hearts
First, we try to love in human strength. Consequently, we get impatient, boast, or compare. We store offenses in our memory. Meanwhile, we expect others to meet needs we can’t fulfill.
Also, we forget we are broken. So when someone hurts us, we lash out instead of surrendering our hurt to God.
The World’s Evidence
Consider divorce, fractured friendships, or family estrangement. These are not just statistics. These are real people, real pain, real brokenness.
So the problem lies not in the idea of love, but in our approach to love.
Jesus: The Perfect Model of Love
Love That Sacrifices
When Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13), He showed us what love costs. He didn’t stay safe. He gave Himself.
Love That Perseveres
Paul wrote that “love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8). That means love doesn’t quit when things get hard. That means love endures disappointments, disagreements, distance.
Love in Action
Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. He ate with outcasts. He spoke truth to the powerful. He healed the broken. He kept going even when betrayed.
Thus, if we follow Jesus, we can love differently, not by our strength, but by His Spirit working in us.
How to Love Like Jesus: Practical Steps
Below are five steps you can apply to your everyday relationships.
1. Look to Jesus First
Stop trying to love by your own willpower. Instead, turn your eyes to Christ. Ask Him: “Help me love like You.”
2. Lean on the Holy Spirit
God gives you His Spirit so you can love beyond your limits. When you feel harsh, let the Spirit soften you.
3. Listen Deeply
When someone speaks, quiet your thoughts and hear them. Resist interrupting. Resist thinking of your next point. Just listen.
4. Trust and Give Grace
Assume the best, not the worst. Let go of minor hurts. Don’t keep a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5).
5. Persevere in Love
Even when it’s painful, keep loving. Write a letter. Make a call. Pray earnestly. Don’t give up.
Example Story:
Sarah had a coworker, Mark, who often criticized her work in front of others. She felt embarrassed and angry. Yet Sarah prayed, “Jesus, help me love him.” Instead of retaliating, she asked Mark privately if she could improve. She listened to his feedback without arguing. Over time, Mark softened. Their relationship changed. And Sarah realized, loving like Jesus opened a door that correcting, defending, or avoiding never could.
Interactive Element: Quick Quiz
Which “Love Weakness” Do You Struggle With Most?
Select one:
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Impatience
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Pride / Boasting
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Envy / Comparison
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Keeping score of wrongs
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Giving up too soon
Now, think of one relationship where this weakness shows up. Pray, confess, and ask God to grow you in that area this week.
What to Do from Here
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Pick one person you struggle with.
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Choose one of the five steps above and try it this week.
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Keep a journal: note what God teaches you.
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Return to 1 Corinthians 13 and let its truths sink in daily.
Conclusion
To love like Jesus is not a duty, it is a journey. Yet, because His Spirit lives in you, you can grow in love. You can patience when you would’ve snapped. You can trust instead of doubt. You can forgive instead of record offenses.
Therefore, today, step forward. Lean on Jesus. Let His love work through you. And watch as your relationships begin to reflect His grace.
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