Gentleman Outlaw

Have you ever felt Jesus’ love through the hug of a friend, the quiet prayer of a sister, or the unexpected kindness of someone who simply saw you? Sometimes the most tangible expressions of Jesus’ love come through the hands and words of the people around us.

We don’t just express our love for Jesus in songs or prayers—we show it when we love others. And in turn, we often experience His love most deeply through the love we receive from one another. It’s not just a command—it’s a holy invitation into the shared heartbeat of heaven.

Jesus said it clearly: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34–35)

Love is the distinguishing mark of a true disciple. Not theological brilliance. Not perfect behavior. Love. The kind of love that sacrifices, forgives, and reaches out.

Jesus takes it a step further in Matthew 25:40 when He says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” In other words, when we care for the overlooked, the burdened, the hurting—we’re loving Jesus Himself.

That’s the mystery: He allows Himself to be seen and touched in the needs of others. And when we respond with compassion, we are ministering directly to Him.

John, the disciple who knew the heartbeat of Jesus well, writes in 1 John 4:12, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” What a beautiful truth—that God’s invisible presence becomes visible in the way we love.

Think of those moments when someone’s love came at just the right time—a word, a hug, a prayer. Didn’t it feel like a whisper from Jesus Himself? His love flows through people, and when we love one another, we become a part of His ongoing work.

This love is both a responsibility and a gift. Paul writes, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) Love isn’t always easy. It costs us something—our time, our comfort, our pride. But that’s when it begins to look like His.

Some people are difficult to love—but they are just as deserving of a touch from Jesus. And sometimes, that touch has to come through my hands.

Sometimes, people don’t feel like they’ve experienced the love of Jesus—not because He hasn’t reached out, but because they’ve quietly closed the door to being loved by His people. Whether due to past hurts or protective walls, they resist the very vessels God longs to use. And at the same time, there are moments when His people simply miss the call. We hesitate, hold back, or let our own insecurities speak louder than His prompting. But what a grace-filled truth: Jesus continues to pursue us, gently urging both the giver and the receiver toward love.

The longer we walk with Jesus, the more we recognize His love not just in the sacred moments of prayer and worship, but in the shared life of community. We love Him by loving others. We encounter Him through the love of others. And we walk in His presence when we walk in love.

Let His love flow through you today—and watch how it comes back to meet you in the most unexpected places.

Reflection: Who needs to feel the love of Jesus through you today? And are you open to receiving His love through someone else?