Love Is More Than a Feeling

Read

John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Think

When most people hear the word “love,” they picture something emotional—hearts, hugs, warm feelings. And while there’s nothing wrong with feelings, biblical love goes far deeper. Jesus didn’t simply feel love for us; he demonstrated it. He didn’t offer words of affection from a distance. He stepped into our world, carried our sin, and laid down his life.

In John 15:13, Jesus defines love in a way that doesn’t leave room for misunderstanding. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” That kind of love doesn’t depend on whether the other person deserves it. It doesn’t wait for the perfect conditions. It sacrifices for the sake of someone else’s good.

This is a love that chooses to show up when it’s hard. It forgives when it’s easier to stay bitter. It serves without applause. It lays down pride and picks up the towel, just like Jesus did when he washed his disciples’ feet—including the one who would betray him. That’s not a warm fuzzy feeling. That’s a Spirit-empowered decision.

And here’s the hard part: you and I can’t love like that on our own. Human love runs dry. It often depends on how we’re feeling, how others treat us, or what we get in return. But the love of God doesn’t work that way. It moves first. It stays faithful. It sacrifices. And the more we abide in Jesus, the more his love flows through us. The people around you—your spouse, your kids, your coworkers, your friends, even your enemies—do not just need your good intentions. They need love that looks like something. They need the kind of love that acts when it’s inconvenient. That listens when you’re tired. That refuses to keep score. That steps in when it would be easier to walk away.

Real love costs something. It costs time, pride, energy, and comfort. But what it produces is worth every bit of the sacrifice. It reflects Jesus. It softens hearts. It breaks cycles of bitterness. It builds bridges where walls once stood. And when people experience this kind of love, it plants seeds that the Holy Spirit can water over time. You might not see the fruit immediately, but that doesn’t make the love any less real. This doesn’t mean love becomes performance. It means love becomes obedience. And obedience begins with remembering that we don’t love others for Jesus—we love others with Jesus. You’re not being asked to manufacture more love today. You’re being invited to remain in the love you’ve already received, and to let it overflow into action.

So before you move on to the next task or relationship today, pause and ask: Is there someone I’ve only been feeling love toward—but not showing it to? Is there a small, meaningful way I can lay something down—my pride, my time, my preference—for the good of someone else? Because love doesn’t just exist in your heart, it shows up in your hands.

Apply

Think of one relationship where love has mostly stayed in your head or heart—but hasn’t shown up in action. What would it look like to serve that person today? Not for applause, not for control, not out of guilt—but because you’ve been loved first.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for showing me what love really looks like. You didn’t just speak love. You lived it. Help me love like you today—not just with words, but with action. Show me where to serve, how to give, and when to stay. In Jesus’ name. Amen.