Even those with minimal exposure to the Bible or just a surface understanding of who Jesus is know that Jesus taught much about loving others. During His three years of earthly ministry, He modeled love for everyone to see. To the woman caught in adultery, He gave forgiveness and love. For Peter, who denied Him three times, He showed restoration and love. To the richest and to the outcast, He freely gave love. Jesus’ entire ministry was one of loving people, even those who plotted to kill Him.
While teaching a class at church over 30 years ago, I met a young man who lived with severe challenges. He followed me around, incessantly asking questions. I began to want to avoid him. But the Holy Spirit convicted me and prompted me to show him the love of Christ. The next Sunday I went straight to him and gave him a huge hug. The smile on his face reminded me then and all these years later that showing the love of Christ to others is the least we can do. After all, Jesus showed the greatest love to us at the cross.