Love God, Love People Week 2

Hello Family!

Welcome to Week Two of our Embrace the Word study, Love God, Love People. We’ve been exploring Jesus’ command to love. It is a challenge not to just love, but to “love well”. Let’s be honest, “loving well” is easy when life is smooth. The real test comes when we are weary, misunderstood, or faced with adversity.

Jesus didn’t suggest that we love; He commanded it. In our key verse, He sets the ultimate standard, a high standard that we meet only with the help of the Holy Spirit!

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34

To love as Jesus loved means loving sacrificially, even when it’s hard. It means choosing grace when we’d rather choose bitterness; to forgive when we’d rather hold a grudge; to let love cover when we’d rather expose. 

As we prepare to dig a little deeper into our key verse in next week’s email, let’s take a moment to reflect on some Bible study tips that can enhance our understanding.

But today, look at the verse through the lens of Bible study tips.

💡 Bible Study Tip: Context in King

When you read a command like “love one another,” look at the context of Jesus’ life in that moment. In John 13, Jesus gave this command right after washing the disciples’ feet—including Judas, who would soon betray Him.

How does the context (the where, when, and to whom) impact the meaning of Jesus’ words?

💡 Bible Study Tip: Character Study

Whenever you study a command of Jesus, look at His actions; how did He live out what He said? It will transform a “rule” into a living example of how to love well in the face of betrayal or hardship.

How did Jesus live out the command He gave in John 13:34

***Remember, there is no devotional guide this month (see Week One’s email for more information). But there is still plenty to dive into! So, keep digging, keep leaning in, and keep loving well.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. —Romans 15:13

Your friend in the journey, 

Remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S. We are walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success through the Word of God.