How can we love Jesus?
.... Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” ……(ESV) John 21:15
I feel that Jesus wants to remind us today, saying, “Love me.” Jesus had probably more than three and a half years of friendship with Peter, yet He asked Peter three times: Do you love me?
Love is a word that is misunderstood a lot in today’s world. Some think it is a mere feeling or likeness. In the Bible, love is defined very differently, especially agape love—self-giving and self-sacrificing love. The greatest love is laying down your life for someone. Love is a willful choice in favor of someone. Jesus has agape love toward us. In the same way, He expects us to love Him with agape love. The first and foremost commandment of the Lord is that we should love God.
Here are a few ways to express love to Jesus:
Lay down your life to Jesus. Many people like to come into the presence of God only when they are free or things are convenient. When they are busy, they postpone or choose to miss spiritual affairs. You can express your love to Jesus by choosing spiritual things, especially when you are busy or face inconveniences. This has a daily application. Do you lay down everything in your life to spend time with God? How consistent are you in praying and reading the Bible? Many of us are consistent in our work, eating habits, exercise, relationships, social commitments, and social media. What about spiritual life? Avoiding spiritual things is equal to avoiding Jesus. We need to lay down everything to prioritize Jesus in our daily lives and spend time with God. We need to prioritize our fellowship with others in God’s presence, even when we face inconvenience.
John says if we love Jesus, we will obey His commandment. Obedience is an expression of our love for God. The Lord expects a full measure of obedience, not partial or passive. Obedience should not be a compulsion but a joyful expression of a loving heart.
Worship is another way we can express our love to Him.
Giving is an expression of love. God is love, and therefore He gave His only Son, Jesus, to us. Giving a minimum of 10% of our income to the local church is an expression of our worship and love for Jesus. Mary anointed Jesus with expensive oil, which was probably her treasure. She was extravagant in giving to Jesus.
Love Jesus more and more. Love Him with your first love. Do not grow cold in your love for Him.