Think about a time when a person really bothered you. It could be your friend, sibling, coworker or stranger on the street. In the moment, your emotions were heightened and negative thoughts enslaved your mind. Now think of Jesus. You wonder, how could I be more like Jesus in this moment? God commands all of us to love one another as he has loved us. The greatest example of his love was the sacrifice of Jesus to save us. We become more like Jesus when we are moved with compassion, patience, and grace. This doesn't come naturally to us and therefore we must do the necessary heart work to become all that God called us to be.

If people are our heart, then we need to do the heart work

1. Meet People

As Christians we often are encouraged to love others as Christ has loved us. But, how do we do this challenging task? We must meet people where they are and acknowledge their reality. We don’t criticize, ignore or impose our truths on others; for who feels welcomed and loved when approached this way? Knowing where people are coming from, is not a justification to distance ourselves from them, rather it’s an opportunity to guide them to the purpose God created them for.

2. Serve People

We serve others because Jesus first served us. His life was an example of what it means to truly lead in love and self-sacrifice, not for his own gain but always for the benefit of others. Therefore our call, as the Church, is to serve people with grace and truth and embrace with encouragement, healing, compassion, and peace.

Philippians 2: 3-4

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

As we carry the message of Jesus, he has called and commissioned us to do the heart work. To meet people where they are despite their upbringing or current circumstances. To serve people whether we agree with them or not, and to commit to opening our hearts and loving them wholeheartedly and unapologetically. Just as Jesus met people where they were, he committed his life to serve others through his ultimate sacrifice so that we too can have life. Our commitment to loving others starts with our commitment to loving God. It’s from a heart anchored to Him that true love overflows.