Jesus' final command to His followers was to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). But how do we fulfill this calling in a way that reflects the heart of Christ? The answer is love. Love is not only the foundation of discipleship but also the transformative force that shapes believers into the image of Christ. In this blog, we will explore how love is central to the process of making disciples, drawing from scripture and aligning with our organization's mission to embolden believers to stand firm in their faith.
Love as the Foundation of Discipleship
Discipleship is not just about transferring knowledge; it is about transforming lives. At the core of this transformation is love. Jesus exemplified this in His ministry. He did not merely teach His disciples; He loved them, walked with them, and demonstrated grace and truth in every encounter.
1 John 4:19 reminds us, "We love because He first loved us." Before we can effectively disciple others, we must first receive and understand God's love for us. This love compels us to extend the same grace, patience, and compassion to those we are discipling. Without love, discipleship becomes a mere transfer of information rather than a heart-changing experience.
Jesus: The Ultimate Example of Love in Discipleship
Jesus' earthly ministry was a living example of love in action. He called His disciples not based on their qualifications but on His love for them. He saw their potential, their brokenness, and their need for transformation.
One of the most powerful displays of Jesus' love is found in John 13:34-35, where He says, "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."
Jesus’ love was patient, sacrificial, and enduring. He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:5), dined with sinners (Mark 2:16), and ultimately laid down His life for the world (John 15:13). If we are to make disciples in His image, we must model this kind of love—one that is willing to serve, invest, and sacrifice for others.
Love Transforms Lives
One of the most incredible aspects of love in discipleship is its power to transform lives. Many who come to faith do so not merely because of intellectual arguments but because they have encountered the love of God through His people.
In the early church, the love believers had for one another was a testimony to the world. Acts 2:42-47 describes how the early Christians shared everything in common, cared for one another’s needs, and lived in unity. Their love was so radical that "the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47).
When we love those we disciple, we create a safe space for them to grow, ask questions, and wrestle with their faith. Love provides the foundation for correction, encouragement, and spiritual growth. Without love, discipleship can become legalistic and rigid, but with love, it fosters true transformation.
Practical Ways to Disciple Through Love
How can we actively incorporate love into our discipleship efforts?
Here are a few practical ways:
Build Genuine Relationships: Discipleship is relational. Spend time with those you are discipling, invest in their lives, and genuinely care about their well-being.
Listen with Compassion: Sometimes, the best thing we can do is listen. James 1:19 instructs us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." Listening demonstrates love and respect.
Speak Truth in Love: While discipleship involves correcting and teaching, it must always be done in love. Ephesians 4:15 encourages us to "speak the truth in love" so that we can grow together in Christ.
Pray for Those You Disciple: Prayer is a powerful way to show love. Regularly intercede for those you disciple, asking God to strengthen their faith and guide their steps.
Model Christlike Love: Our actions speak louder than words. When we live out Christ’s love, we set an example for those we disciple to follow.
Our Mission: Emboldening Believers in Love
Our mission is to embolden displaced and persecuted Christians to stand firm in their faith. In regions where following Christ comes at great personal cost, love is a lifeline. Many believers face isolation, rejection, and persecution, but when they experience the love of fellow Christians, they are strengthened and encouraged.
Through our work, we provide discipleship programs that are rooted in love. We walk alongside believers, ensuring they have the spiritual and emotional support they need. We provide biblical resources, mentorship, and community support to remind them they are not alone.
In the face of adversity, love sustains faith. Romans 8:38-39 reminds us that nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." When persecuted believers experience this love through discipleship, they gain the strength to persevere and boldly proclaim the Gospel.
The transformative power of love in discipleship cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which lives are changed, faith is strengthened, and communities are built. Jesus demonstrated this love throughout His ministry, and we are called to follow His example.
As we disciple others, may we do so with the love of Christ—patient, sacrificial, and enduring. Whether through building relationships, listening with compassion, speaking truth in love, praying, or modeling Christlike behavior, love must be at the center of all we do.
By embracing love in discipleship, we fulfill the Great Commission in a way that reflects the very heart of God. May we continue to embolden believers, especially those facing hardship, by demonstrating the unwavering, transformative love of Christ.
Comments