What does loving Jesus entail?

Understanding the Call to Love Jesus

Loving Jesus begins with recognizing who He is and what He has done. Scripture presents Him as the incarnate Word (John 1:14), the Messiah (Matthew 16:16), and the One through whom salvation is found (Acts 4:12). A genuine love for Jesus encompasses reverence, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to follow His teaching. From the earliest papyrus fragments of the Gospel of John (e.g., P52) to major codices and modern translations, the biblical witness remains clear: Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are central to faith and integral to understanding what it means to love Him.

Biblical Expressions of Love for Christ

1. Devotion and Affection:

When we love Jesus, we show heartfelt devotion that goes beyond ritual. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word,” Jesus says (John 14:23). This connection between love and devotion recurs throughout the Gospels, reinforcing how love leads to active faith.

2. Obedience to His Commands:

The Bible often links love with obedience. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). The evidence of true love for Jesus is practical obedience; we align our actions with His teaching. This obedience is motivated by gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, not a grim duty.

3. Sacrificial Living:

Jesus modeled sacrificial love (John 15:13). Likewise, our love for Him moves us to practice selflessness. This extends not only to caring for fellow believers (Galatians 6:10) but also showing God’s compassion to a watching world. Early Christian communities demonstrated sacrificial care, as recorded in historical writings and archaeological findings (e.g., benevolence documented in second-century Christian letters).

Loving Jesus Through Worship and Fellowship

1. Worship in Spirit and Truth:

Loving Jesus entails worship that is heartfelt and aligned with His revealed truth. The Samaritan woman was told that believers must worship “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Archeological evidence from early house churches shows they gathered to sing hymns, pray, and read Scripture—expressions of deep love for their risen Lord.

2. Prayer and Communion with Him:

Prayer is communion with Christ, reflecting trust and dependence. The New Testament epistles illustrate the central role of prayer in believers’ lives (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Through prayer, our love grows as we draw near to the One who intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).

3. Community and Shared Love:

Genuine love for Christ does not exist in isolation. Believers are called to love one another (John 13:34–35). Early manuscripts (such as the Pauline epistles found in collections once thought lost but discovered in various archaeological sites) testify to how the earliest Christians supported and encouraged each other. Our communal life reflects and strengthens our love for Jesus.

Aligning Our Lives with His Teaching

1. Transformation of Character:

Love for Jesus transforms character, leading to fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). As we submit to Christ, the Holy Spirit renews our hearts and minds (Romans 12:2). Historical testimonies—from early church contemporaries like Ignatius of Antioch to modern-day accounts of lives changed—show the transformative power of His love.

2. Moral and Ethical Living:

Scripture affirms that love for Jesus governs our ethical choices. Our pursuit of purity (1 Peter 1:15–16) and reconciliation (Matthew 5:23–24) comes from a desire to honor Him. Ancient manuscripts, such as those found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, affirm God’s call to holy living and underscore consistency throughout the biblical record.

3. Service and Evangelism:

Out of love for Jesus stems our desire to share His message. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Acts of service, missionary endeavors, and personal evangelism are all natural outcomes of a heart that treasures Christ’s teachings. From first-century missionary travels (as described by Luke in the Book of Acts) to modern evangelistic activities, believers continue to spread the good news in love.

Hope Rooted in the Resurrection

1. Centrality of the Risen Christ:

The resurrection proves both Christ’s deity and His authority (Romans 1:4). Early manuscript fragments, such as the portions of Paul’s letters in papyrus dating to within decades of his writing, testify to a consistent belief in the physical resurrection of Jesus. Loving Him involves rejoicing in this historic event.

2. Assurance of Eternal Life:

Love for Jesus is inseparable from His promise of eternal life (John 11:25–26). Accounts of changed lives after encountering the risen Christ—from the apostles to modern-day reports of miraculous transformation—reinforce the living power of Jesus at work in the world.

3. Daily Confidence and Perseverance:

Because Christ lives, believers have a steadfast hope (1 Corinthians 15:20). Love grows when we anchor ourselves in the truth that our Redeemer lives and will one day return (Revelation 22:12). From natural science pointing to an intelligent design of creation to the recorded miracles that demonstrate God’s ongoing work, all of it undergirds this sure hope.

Walking in Relationship with Jesus

1. Seeking Intimacy Through the Word:

Scripture emphasizes that love for Jesus flourishes as we immerse ourselves in His Word. Manuscript evidence—from the earliest fragments like the Chester Beatty papyri to later codices—attests to the preservation and trustworthiness of the Bible’s message. By reading, studying, and embracing this Word, we grow in our affection for Him.

2. Relying on the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit, the “Helper” (John 14:26), empowers us to love Jesus wholeheartedly. Early Christian writings describe believers who experienced supernatural unity, boldness, and generosity. This same Spirit works in today’s church, guiding us into deeper communion with Christ.

3. Learning from Church History and Testimony:

Archaeological discoveries, including inscriptions and artifacts from early Christian gatherings, show the faithfulness of believers who, out of love for Jesus, often risked their lives. Their expressions of worship, perseverance, and ministry provide models for contemporary believers.

Concluding Reflection

Loving Jesus involves a comprehensive commitment: heartfelt worship, devoted obedience, sacrificial living, engagement in prayer, fellowship in community, and unwavering confidence in His resurrection and return. Scripture—from Genesis to Revelation—consistently calls God’s people to this holistic love. Various lines of evidence, from ancient manuscripts to testimonies of miracles, support these biblical truths.

This love is not merely emotional but grounded in the reality of Jesus as Creator, Savior, and Lord. It changes the way we live and shapes our ultimate purpose: to glorify God in everything we do. As the Berean Standard Bible reminds us, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).