Loving like Christ is central to what it means to follow Him—but in a divided world, that calling can feel complicated. Conversations are tense, emotions run high, and disagreement often feels personal.
As followers of Jesus, we face an essential question: How do we love like Christ without compromising truth?
Scripture reminds us that Christ’s love is neither passive nor harsh—it is rooted in truth, shaped by humility, and guided by grace. John 1:14 tells us that Jesus came “full of grace and truth,” showing us that the two were never meant to be separated.
Let’s begin by examining the characteristics of Christ’s love, using the Bible, God’s living Word, as our standard. Any teaching about Jesus must be measured against Scripture, because it is our trustworthy and enduring source of truth.
Jesus Modeled Humility
Jesus holds ultimate authority, yet He consistently modeled humility. We see this clearly throughout Scripture. In Matthew 23:12, Jesus teaches, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (ESV).
Jesus never felt the need to prove Himself, because He knew exactly who He was—and still is. He doesn’t require others to prove themselves either. Instead, He repeatedly invites His followers to walk through life with the same humility He embodied. One of the clearest examples of this humble, servant-hearted life is found in Jesus’s own words: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV).
Practicing humility in a divided world can make a powerful impression. Our culture often elevates pride, which stands in stark contrast to the way Christ lived. In moments of conflict, choosing humility becomes a tangible way to express love toward others. And if we are going to live this out well, we must understand what humility truly is.
Humility does not mean belittling ourselves. Instead, it looks like showing respect to others—even when that respect is not returned. For example, imagine someone accuses you of doing something wrong at work. A humble response begins with seeking understanding rather than defending yourself. Asking questions like, “Why do you think this?” or “What have I done that led you to that conclusion?” can help de-escalate tension. Our instinct is often to become defensive (I’ve certainly been there), but defensiveness usually only intensifies conflict.
There were moments when Jesus’s words intensified conflict. Still, more often, He chose to ask questions—modeling for us a thoughtful and relational way to engage with others during difficult conversations.
Jesus Always Spoke Truth
Jesus consistently moved toward imperfect people with compassion. He did not withhold love until they changed; instead, He loved them first, and that love is what led to transformation.
At the core of Christ’s love, we find truth. From the very beginning of His ministry, everything Jesus taught and modeled centered on this truth: God is the one true God, and Jesus, His perfect Son, was given as a gift so that we could be restored to right relationship with Him. His love was never separated from truth, and His truth was never delivered without grace.
We often focus on the miracles of Jesus and the way He shared meals with sinners—and rightly so—but everything He did served a deeper purpose: to reach the lost and reveal the truth that leads to freedom, the truth that releases us from the destructive power of sin.
For example, Jesus did not heal people to make their lives easier here on earth. He healed them to reveal God’s compassion, authority, and nearness, and to point hearts toward eternal restoration.
The way we continue to love our neighbor—even when we disagree—is by carrying the truth with us at all times. When everything we do points to Jesus, His love is made visible through us. Love flows naturally when our motives are rooted in sharing truth, not in proving ourselves right.
God sent Jesus to be God with us—to restore our relationship with Him and to invite us into true life. Not only was Jesus the invitation; He also secured our way home.
When we view Christ’s love through a distorted lens, we risk missing its transforming power. If we believe Jesus healed and welcomed sinners merely to prioritize their comfort or happiness in this life, we miss the fuller beauty and purpose of His mission.
Christ’s love does not elevate human desire above God’s holiness; instead, it lovingly invites us into it. And it is in that invitation that we find true life. When we model Christ’s love, we extend that same invitation to others—guiding them toward the life He so freely offers.
Throughout the Gospels, we see countless examples of how Jesus approached and transformed people. One of the most striking is found in the story of the woman caught in adultery.
Dragged into public humiliation, exposed in her shame, and surrounded by religious leaders ready to condemn her, she stood before Jesus expecting the same treatment she had likely received many times before. Rejection. Judgment. Punishment. Instead, Jesus offered her dignity. He silenced her accusers. He met her fear with mercy. And when He finally spoke, His words were not filled with condemnation, but with grace: “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more” (John 8:11).
As we reflect on this moment, we begin to see a pattern that leads us forward in truth. Forgiveness came before correction. Love came before transformation. Grace made space for change.
Jesus did not minimize her sin, but He also refused to define her by it. He did not shame her into obedience; He loved her into freedom. And this pattern repeats itself again and again throughout the Gospels.
Jesus invited Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector, into a relationship before addressing his wrongdoing. He offered living water to the Samaritan woman before exposing her brokenness. He restored Peter after betrayal rather than rejecting him. Everywhere Jesus went, grace walked ahead of correction.
Am I Loving Like Christ?
As I reflect on the way Jesus loved and led others, I cannot help but measure my own responses against His. I must admit, His way is not always the way I approach others—or even myself. There are moments when I respond with pressure instead of patience, judgment instead of grace, and control instead of trust.
What I have come to realize, though, is that in the moments where I fall short, I have taken my eyes off Jesus and fixed them on my shortcomings. Instead of letting His grace lead me forward, I allow self-focus to pull me inward.
The good news is that even when my comparison falls short, I am met not with condemnation, but with invitation. He gently and lovingly realigns me with His way. We can do this for ourselves and also extend this gentle, loving realignment to others.
We can gladly turn back to Him—confessing, surrendering, and receiving His grace again. Instead of pushing us away in disappointment, He draws us closer, reminding us that His transforming power is alive within us. And once again, He fixes our gaze on the next step forward in His grace.
Jesus truly is the best example of how to love in a divided world. When He walked this earth, there was no shortage of division—Romans versus Jews, Pharisees versus Gentiles. Our divisions today may carry different names, but the application of Christ’s love remains the same.
As you remain close to Christ, consider this question: Do my words and actions reflect the grace and truth of Jesus to those around me?
Vanessa Luu is a wife, mother, and faith-based writer. She speaks and writes to believers to encourage them to live authentically with God.
