Northside Church of God
Loving People Like Jesus Loves
Love is the defining mark of a true disciple of Christ. In **John 13:34-35**, Jesus gives His followers a new command—not just to love, but to love **as He loved**. This is more than a feeling; it's a radical, self-sacrificing, and unconditional love that goes beyond human standards. Jesus loved the outcasts, the sinners, and even those who betrayed Him. His love was patient, forgiving, and full of grace. As believers, we are called to reflect this same love in our relationships with others, even when it’s difficult or undeserved. But how do we love like Jesus? It starts by looking at His example—serving with humility, forgiving freely, and putting others before ourselves. The world will know we belong to Christ **not** by our knowledge or church attendance, but by the way we love one another. This message challenges us to go beyond words and display the love of Jesus in action. When we do, we become a living testimony of His grace and draw others closer to Him. Let’s dive in and discover how to truly love like Jesus loves!
Locations & Times
Northside Church of God
3225 Cairo Rd, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
Sunday 9:45 AM
Jesus didn’t say people would recognize His disciples by their theological knowledge, social influence, or religious achievements, but by the way they love one another. In John 13:35, He made it clear that love is the defining characteristic of a true follower of Christ. It’s not about how much Scripture we can quote, how many church services we attend, or how respected we are in the world—our love for others is the greatest testimony of our faith. When we love sacrificially, unconditionally, and with grace, we reflect the very heart of Jesus, showing the world what it truly means to belong to Him.
“If we claim to love God and His Church, that love should naturally flow into our relationships with others.”
Augustine of Hippo (354–430) was an influential early Church father, theologian, and philosopher whose writings, including Confessions and The City of God, shaped Western Christianity and doctrine, particularly on grace, sin, and the nature of God.
The Old Testament already taught to love your neighbor (Leviticus 19:18).
But Jesus raised the standard: “as I have loved you.”
Love is no longer based on our feelings but on Christ’s example.
Love is no longer based on our feelings but on Christ’s example.
“The newness of this commandment lies not only in its standard (Christ’s love), but in its centrality to Christian identity. Christian ethics are not founded merely on rules, but on the imitation of Christ.”
D. A. Carson is a Canadian-born Reformed theologian, New Testament scholar, and professor, known for his extensive writings on biblical exegesis, theology, and the authority of Scripture, including works like The Gospel According to John and Exegetical Fallacies.
“Our love grows soft if it is not strengthened by truth, and our truth grows hard if it is not softened by love.”
John Stott (1921–2011) was a British Anglican pastor, theologian, and author, widely recognized for his influential works on evangelical theology, including Basic Christianity, and for his role in shaping global evangelicalism through his preaching, writing, and leadership.
Sacrificial – He gave His life.
Unconditional – He loved sinners, tax collectors, and His betrayers.
Forgiving – Even on the cross, He forgave.
Humble – He washed the disciples' feet.
“The strongest argument for the gospel is the love of a Christian. The world does not read the Bible, but it reads Christians.”
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834–1892) was a British Baptist preacher known as the "Prince of Preachers," whose powerful sermons, deep theological insights, and prolific writings, including The Treasury of David, continue to influence Christians worldwide.
Are we willing to love the unlovable?
“The final apologetic which Jesus gives is the observable love of true Christians for true Christians.”
Francis Schaeffer (1912–1984) was an American theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor known for his works on Christian worldview, cultural critique, and apologetics, including How Should We Then Live?, which addressed the intersection of faith and modern society.
“We do not become Christians by loving people; we become Christians by faith in Christ. But once we are Christians, we prove our faith by loving others.”
A.W. Tozer (1897–1963) was an American pastor, author, and theologian known for his deep devotional writings and call to a deeper spiritual life, best exemplified in books like The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy.
Put Others First – Be selfless, not selfish.
Forgive Quickly – Don’t hold onto offenses.
Serve Without Recognition – Serve in humility
Pray for Others – Even for enemies.
Speak with Grace – Build up, don’t tear down.
“Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy’s hatred, the greater his need of love.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945) was a German pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident whose writings, including The Cost of Discipleship, emphasized radical Christian discipleship and whose resistance to Hitler ultimately led to his execution.
This week, show one intentional act of love to someone, especially someone difficult to love.
1. Ask God to fill your heart with Christ’s love for others.
2. Choose one person this week to show radical, Jesus-like love.
3. May we be known by our love, just as Christ commanded.