In this series “The Mix,” we are focusing on how followers of Jesus are called to get the mix right in how they live and treat others. Last week centered on the Golden Rule. Treating others the way we want to be treated can transform everything from our neighborhood to the world. This week we are talking about The Power of Love. Love is often misunderstood and reduced to the idea of loving only those who love us back. Jesus challenges that thinking through the story of the Good Samaritan, where the true neighbor was not someone from the same tribe or background, but someone considered an enemy. Jesus expands the definition of neighbor to include everyone, even those we dislike, disagree with, or fear. Two primary emotions move us out of our comfort zone—fear and love. Fear builds walls, creates distance, and keeps people trapped in tribal thinking, while love breaks barriers and draws people together. 

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 are foundational in understanding what love truly is. Spiritual gifts, knowledge, sacrifice, and faith mean nothing without love. Love is patient and kind, choosing grace over impatience and encouragement over criticism. Love does not envy, boast, or act arrogantly, because love is rooted in humility and seeks to honor God rather than self. It refuses to dishonor people, manipulate others for personal gain, or react in uncontrolled anger. Love does not keep score or delight in the failures of others but instead rejoices in truth and seeks what is good, right, and God honoring.

Love protects, welcomes, shelters, and supports those who are hurting or isolated. Love trusts fully, hopes for what God can do in someone’s life, and perseveres even when relationships become difficult. Followers of Jesus are reminded that people matter to God, and because they matter to God, they should matter to us. Love refuses to give up on people and continues praying, encouraging, supporting, and believing that God can still work in their lives. Love never fails because it reflects the very character of God.

Followers of Jesus are called to raise the value of every person they encounter, whether at work, school, home, or in everyday interactions. Love lifts people up, reminds them they matter, and looks to the interests of others rather than focusing only on self-interest. Sometimes love means stepping across the room to include someone who feels forgotten, listening to someone else’s interests, offering help, or showing kindness in tangible ways. Every day presents a choice between fear and love, and Jesus calls His followers to choose love because love changes people, transforms communities, and reveals the heart of God.

Scriptures— Luke 10:27, 37 (NIV); 1 John 4:18-19 (NIV); 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (NIV); Philippians 2:3-4 (NRSVUE); 1 John 4:16 (NLT)

Verses— He answered, “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all you soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.” (Lk 10:27) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails…. (1 Co 13:4-8)

Questions— How does Jesus’ definition of “neighbor” challenge the way culture often divides people into groups, tribes, or sides? Who is someone difficult for you to see as your neighbor? When has fear kept you from connecting with someone? In what ways do people keep emotional scorecards with others, and how does that damage relationships? How can small acts of love change the atmosphere around you? Who are the lifters and encouragers in your life? What is one practical way you can “raise the value” of someone this week?

Prayer— Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me with patience, kindness, grace, and mercy. Open my eyes so I can see my neighbors the way You see them. Let Your love change me so Your love can flow through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.