Living and Loving Like Jesus

At Lakeview Christian Church, we know that love lies at the heart of our mission: “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” But what does real Christian love look like? Is it about liking everyone, agreeing with their values, or becoming close friends with everyone we meet? Or is it something deeper and more challenging?

Christian Love: Beyond Likeability

As Pastor Jim recently shared, “Christian love doesn’t mean that I must like the person, his values, his traits, his language, or even be his or her dear friend. But Christian love means this: you need to treat others the way Jesus treated you.” This is a truth that cuts through cultural confusion about love. While the world often defines love as a feeling or preference, Jesus models a love rooted in action, sacrifice, and grace.

Romans 5:8 (ESV) reminds us:

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus loved us at our worst—not because we were likable, but because His love is unconditional. He calls us to do the same:

“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, ESV)

Love Builds Up—Knowledge Alone Is Not Enough

In the church and in our daily lives, it’s tempting to think that right knowledge is enough. But as Pastor Jim pointed out, “love builds up. It never tears down.” 1 Corinthians 8:1 (ESV) says,

“This ‘knowledge’ puffs up, but love builds up.”

It’s easy to be puffed up with knowledge, opinions, or preferences. But Christian love is different. It looks for ways to encourage, to restore, and to build up others—even those we find difficult or different.

The Danger of Favoritism and the Royal Law

James, the brother of Jesus, is unflinching when it comes to favoritism in the church. He writes,

“But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (James 2:9, ESV)

Favoritism—choosing to love or respect some while dismissing others—isn’t just a personality quirk or a harmless social habit. James calls it sin because it violates the “royal law”:

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well.” (James 2:8, ESV)

This law, given by Jesus and rooted in Leviticus 19:18, is not optional for followers of Christ. It is the foundation of a transformed community—one that reflects God’s heart to the world.

“Just 3”: Putting Love into Practice

At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe that love must become action. Our “Just 3” pathway helps make this practical for everyone:

• Study: We study God’s Word to see what real love looks like. As we reflect on Jesus’ life and teaching, our hearts are challenged and shaped to love as He loves.
• Share: We share our lives with others, intentionally reaching out to those who are different, difficult, or overlooked. Sharing means listening, encouraging, and opening our hearts and homes.
• Serve: We serve by putting love into action. Whether it’s through acts of kindness, involvement in ministry, or helping a neighbor in need, service is where our faith becomes visible.

Building a Different Kind of Community

Imagine if, instead of judging or dismissing someone who isn’t “our type,” we asked, “How would Jesus treat this person?” As Pastor Jim challenged, “Have you ever treated someone the wrong way? Imagine if that was Jesus. He said, you’re gonna get what you deserve.” But Jesus doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve—He gives grace, forgiveness, and a new start.

At Lakeview, we want to be a church where love builds up, not tears down; where everyone is valued, not just those who are easy to love; where the royal law is lived out—not just believed.

Be the Change with Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes

If you’re looking for a faith community where love is more than a word—where people Study, Share, and Serve because of what Jesus has done—then join us. At Lakeview Christian Church, we’re learning to “be the change” by loving like Jesus, even when it’s hard. Because that’s what He did for us.