The Love We Were Always Created For

Lately, I've found myself thinking about what love really looks like.

Not the version the world often portrays.
Not a love that keeps score.
Not a love that compares.
Not a love that constantly asks, "Who has done more?"

But the love of Jesus.

Jesus never made us earn His kindness before He extended it. He didn't compare our weaknesses to His strength or remind us why we should be grateful He chose to help us. He simply loved.

He served.

He encouraged.

He protected.

He forgave.

He gave.

His love wasn't transactional—it was transformational.

As I read Psalm 8 today, I was overwhelmed by David's words:

"What is mankind that You are mindful of them?"

The Creator of the universe knows every star by name, yet He is mindful of me. He sees me. He loves me. He delights in me.

That kind of love changes everything.

When we truly understand how deeply we are loved by Christ, we no longer need to compete for significance or prove our worth. We become free to love others from a place of fullness instead of emptiness.

The love of Jesus builds up instead of tearing down.

It speaks truth with gentleness.

It protects instead of wounds.

It serves without keeping score.

It celebrates instead of compares.

It gives without expecting something in return.

Isn't that the kind of love our hearts have always been searching for?

The beautiful truth is that we don't have to manufacture that kind of love on our own. As we spend time with Jesus, He transforms us. He teaches us to love as He loves.

Maybe that's why the greatest commandment isn't simply to love one another.

It's to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Because the more we receive His love, the more naturally His love begins to flow through us.

Today, my prayer is simple:

Jesus, teach me to love the way You love.

Help me build others up instead of tearing them down.

Help me encourage more than I criticize.

Help me choose grace over comparison.

Help me serve with joy instead of obligation.

And may every person who encounters me experience just a glimpse of the love You have so freely given to me.

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!" — Psalm 8:9