Experience the joy of serving and loving others. Learn how acts of kindness and compassion reflect the true essence of Christianity.
He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
–Mark 16:15
Christianity is not about telling people how wrong they are and merely preaching from a pulpit (or a keyboard). Teaching and preaching are a tiny percentage of a much larger picture. Christianity is about serving and loving people.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
–Matthew 5:16
It’s giving people who are hungry food and drink, and those naked clothing. It’s about visiting the sick and those in prison. It’s about taking strangers in — or out for coffee. These aren’t the only ways we show love but they are some immediate and tangible examples.
Love Generously
Last Sunday during the sermon, my church did a couple of Doordash orders and invited each driver at separate delivery times to come on stage. In the app, my church gave a $25 tip. While on stage, my pastor shared with each driver how God loved them and said, He’s another $50”. He continued to tell the driver how valuable they are to God and continued to give them $50 until they had an extra $200 in addition to the $25 tip. That’s how we care for strangers in the name of Jesus! The seeds were planted.
We cannot convert people; we can only invite them and show them how much they are loved through our actions.
It’s having compassion for people who are in need, not just spiritually but also physically. Jesus healed people’s physical bodies to show who he was. He calls us to meet people’s physical needs in order to show His mercy and compassion for others through us. However, our hearts must reflect the hearts of Jesus.
We need to stop destroying our witness by telling the world how wrong they are and instead show them how loved they are. People will not listen to a stranger’s opinion. But they are more open to those who are kind to them no matter what. We’re not told only to pour out grace to those who believe what we believe.
Many Christians tend to treat non-Christians as enemies but God has direction for that:
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
-Luke 6:27-28
Hate Isn’t a Feeling, It’s an Action
There is literally no room or excuse for hate if you’re a follower of Jesus. And using the excuse of “speaking the truth is love” — it also matters how you speak the truth. The truth can hurt, yes. But it should hurt on its own — it’s not something you should make hurt.
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
-Colossians 4:5-6
Treating others with dignity and respect should have no strings attached. We shouldn’t care for others in order to expect a conversion; we should do it because people matter, and it’s a basic human need—whether they deserve it or not.
God loved us enough to wipe our sins away, though we didn’t deserve it and even without a guarantee that we would choose Him. We need to also love others whether they make the choice to follow Jesus or not. Or whether they choose to love us back or not.
Hate comes out in rudeness, envy, bitterness, self-righteousness, pride, and more. It’s a mindset followed by actions that are the opposite of our loving God.
The love of God is unconditional — and it’s the kind of love He calls us to give.
5 Practical Ways to Love People Different From You
- Show Kindness and Compassion
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
Loving non-believers includes extending kindness, even to those who oppose us. This shows the character of Christ and opens the door for them to see His love. - Live as an Example of Christ
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Our actions can reflect God’s love and grace. Our God is loving and patient and desires we live the same way with all people. Good works begin with a kind word. - Offer Help Without Expecting Anything in Return
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” (Romans 12:20)
Practical acts of service demonstrate unconditional love and care, which can draw people closer to God. - Speak with Grace and Gentleness
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
Loving non-believers includes speaking truthfully but with kindness and respect, avoiding judgmental attitudes. However, sometimes, no matter how kind and loving you are, some people will not receive and, in fact, accuse you of being “passive-aggressive”. We cannot control how someone else will receive our words or actions; we can only control ourselves. The best thing to do is not react. - Pray for Their Well-Being and Salvation
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
Prayer is a powerful way to love non-believers, seeking their good and asking God to work in their lives. You may have been put into someone’s life for the sole purpose of praying for them.
Dear Father God,
Thank you for the gift of your love. Though I don’t deserve it, you give it freely. Please help me to do the same for others, especially those who are harder to love. Lord, if you can love those who don’t love you, or me, you can empower me to do so as well. Soften my heart to be tender toward people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Meditate on This Truth: We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19
For Further Study: Read Luke 10:25-37
For Further Reading: The Art of Loving Well
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