Something we all have in common is that we’re surrounded by people, and that our lives are embedded in relationships. 

If we’re being honest, some people drive us crazy. 

These are people at school or work, at church, out there in the community at large, or even in our own families or friend circles.

So how do you be at your best when some people put you at your worst?

This is the subject of blog and podcast episode I recently put together. If you want to read or listen to the full version, simply click on the link below. For today’s devotional, however, let me stress this: It helps to not be naive about what love means, and to know what Jesus meant by love.

Based on the uses of the word “love” in the New Testament—both as a noun and as a verb—here is a definition: “Love means acknowledging that other people are made in God’s image, and pursuing God’s best for them, often in a way that is self-sacrificial.”

Let’s look at each of these ideas separately. 

First, all people are due a certain dignity and respect since they are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). 

Second, love is action-oriented, not feelings based. It is “pursuing” God’s best for someone.

Third, we are seeking “God’s” best for someone—and, let’s be honest, this is not always the same as what that person may think is the best for them. Sometimes, but not all the time. How do we know what God’s best is? The Scriptures.

Fourth, biblical love is often self-sacrificial. Why? Because it’s patterned on Jesus’ own example. As he says in John 13:34: “just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

We live in a world that is rich in people and poor in love. Sure, people give lip service to “loving God” and “loving people,” but what kind of love are they talking about?

Let’s look to Jesus as our instructor and example.  

Love means acknowledging that other people are made in God’s image, and pursuing God’s best for them, often in a way that is self-sacrificial.

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Notes:

-“Why loving people isn’t the same as liking them.” Click here, or listen on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

-“Holiness is heaven’s map on earth.” Click here. Sermon.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.