Love like Jesus

“Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?’” Romans 15:2 (MSG)

If I'm driving and get a flat tire, and a well-known celebrity drives by, nobody expects them to stop and help me. They’re likely too busy or too important to help me with my problems.

But those aren’t kingdom values—those are worldly values. Jesus said that, if you want to be great, you must be the servant of all. The more I give of myself and serve other people, the greater I am in God’s kingdom.

What does it mean to love like Jesus? The Message paraphrase says, “Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?’” (Romans 15:2 MSG).

In fact, one way to serve like Jesus is by serving others as if I'm serving Jesus himself. Look for how Jesus might, in a way, be disguised as a hurting person in my neighborhood. He might be at the coffee station on Monday morning. He might be at the gas station. He might be behind me in line at the grocery store. He might be the most unlovable person I know who is carrying a deep hurt. If I want to serve Jesus, then I need to start by showing up for the hurting people around me. 

The Living Bible paraphrase says, “When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night” (Romans 12:13).

Many people in my church, neighborhood, and even family are single parents working to put food on the table, widows who are lonely in their empty houses, or students who are overwhelmed.

I need to consider, How can I love them like Jesus loves them?

In summary:

Romans 15:2 (MSG) encourages me to prioritize the well-being of others by asking, "How can I help?" This challenges our societal norms that often place personal convenience above communal responsibility. Jesus modeled this servant leadership, demonstrating that true greatness in God's kingdom is achieved through selfless service. By adopting this mindset, I can align my actions with Christ's example, seeking opportunities to assist those in need, regardless of their status or my own schedules. 

Romans 12:13 (from TLB translation) advises, "When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out." This directive encourages me to be attentive to the struggles of those around me. By actively seeking ways to serve, I can embody Christ's love, fostering a community where compassion and assistance can be my new default.