Loving people is easy when they’re “lovable.” Don’t you think? It gets way more challenging when they are “challenging.” And can feel almost impossible if they are our “enemies.” How do you love people that are sometimes difficult to love? (And believe me, someone’s asking that question about ME right now, I’m sure.)

John the Apostle, who described himself as the “disciple that Jesus loved,” teaches us that our love of other people is actually empowered by the reality of God’s love for us. His love for us came first. Our love for others—no matter how challenging they might be—comes as an overflow of love we’ve already had deposited in Christ.

You are the recipient of an extravagant love—a marvelous grace. So, John is saying, “SINCE” that is true, turn around and write a check of love out of that bank account. We don’t do it in our own strength. We don’t love from our own depository of love. We love out of the richness of love we’ve already been given. And that love is an inexhaustible supply.

God’s love transforms hearts and heals wounds. God’s love covers a multitude of wrongs and forgives even before the apology has been made. God’s love is faithful, even when it is met with faithlessness. God’s love never fails.

As we follow His command to love one another, His love becomes tangible through our actions and words. So today is the day to demonstrate kindness and generosity to the people all around you. Love completely and selflessly. And may your love reflect His gracious character, bringing honor and glory to His name.

God’s love is the foundation for our relationships with others. Consider how that unconditional love motivates us to extend compassion, forgiveness, and grace to those around us. You are a chosen reflection piece today, like a prized mirror in the hand of a renowned makeup artist. Reflect the love of God to a hurting world. And generously pour it out from His limitless supply.