Loving like Christ is at the heart of the Christian life. Jesus calls each of us—married, single, parents, friends, coworkers—to imitate His example of sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional love.

“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

But what does it look like to love like Christ in our modern, daily lives? How do we practically apply this call in our marriages, friendships, family relationships, or in seasons of singleness? Loving like Christ is not reserved for extraordinary moments—it’s a daily choice, lived out through our actions, words, and attitudes.

Here’s a guide to understanding what it means to love like Christ and practical steps you can take to live it out, no matter your current vocation or stage of life.

1. Love with Sacrifice

Christ’s love is sacrificial. He gave everything for us, even His life on the cross. To love like Christ means we choose to give of ourselves—our time, energy, and resources—for the good of others. It’s about putting someone else’s needs ahead of our own, even when it costs us something.

Practical Steps:

• In Marriage: Be attentive to your spouse’s needs. This might mean offering a helping hand when they’re overwhelmed, listening when you’re tired, or choosing to be patient during a disagreement. Sacrifice your time or comfort for the sake of their well-being.
• For Singles: Love sacrificially by being there for friends or family members. Offer a listening ear, help with tasks, or make time for someone who feels lonely, even when it’s inconvenient.
• Everyday Action: Ask yourself daily: “How can I put someone else’s needs before my own today?” Small acts of sacrifice—like sharing your time, doing an unexpected favor, or simply showing up—can reflect Christ’s love in profound ways.

2. Love with Forgiveness and Mercy

Jesus showed radical mercy and forgiveness, even to those who betrayed Him. To love like Christ means forgiving others, even when they don’t “deserve” it. Holding onto anger or resentment only hurts our relationships and our hearts. Christ calls us to extend the mercy that He so freely gives us.

Practical Steps:

• In Marriage: Choose forgiveness over bitterness. Apologize when you’re wrong, and let go of grudges, even for small offenses. Love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5).
• For Singles: Forgive friends, family members, or coworkers who have hurt you. Practice letting go of resentment and pray for the grace to see others through Christ’s merciful eyes.
• Everyday Action: Pray for those who have hurt you. Ask God to soften your heart and give you the strength to forgive. Remember, forgiveness doesn’t excuse wrongs—it frees you to love more fully.

3. Love Through Humility and Service

Christ humbled Himself to serve others, washing the feet of His disciples and reminding us that true love is expressed through service. Loving like Christ means embracing humility—choosing to serve rather than to be served, and lifting others up before ourselves.

Practical Steps:

• In Marriage: Serve your spouse in small, meaningful ways. This might mean making their favorite meal, running errands, or simply doing something that lightens their load without being asked.
• For Singles: Look for opportunities to serve in your community, parish, or family. Humble acts—like volunteering, helping a neighbor, or reaching out to someone in need—reflect Christ’s love.
• Everyday Action: Ask yourself: “How can I serve someone today?” Service could mean something as simple as offering encouragement, doing an act of kindness, or saying a prayer for someone in need.

Scripture Reminder: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

4. Love with Patience and Compassion

Jesus encountered people with compassion and patience, seeing beyond their weaknesses to the goodness in their hearts. To love like Christ means approaching others with understanding, gentleness, and kindness, even when it’s difficult.

Practical Steps:

• In Marriage: Be patient with your spouse’s faults or struggles. Instead of criticizing, offer encouragement and support as they work through challenges. Love them where they are, not where you wish they were.
• For Singles: Extend compassion to friends, coworkers, or even strangers who may be struggling. Listen without judgment and offer kindness to those who are hurting or difficult to love.
• Everyday Action: Practice seeing others as God sees them. When you feel frustrated, pause, take a deep breath, and pray for the person before responding.

5. Love with Intentional Presence

Christ gave His undivided attention to those He encountered. Whether He was healing, teaching, or simply sitting with others, He was fully present in each moment. Loving like Christ means showing up for others with our full attention and being present to their needs.

Practical Steps:

• In Marriage: Spend intentional, quality time with your spouse. Put away distractions and focus on being present—whether through conversation, prayer, or shared activities.
• For Singles: Be present to your friends, family, or community. Offer your time and attention without distractions like phones or social media.
• Everyday Action: Choose presence over busyness. Take time to truly listen, notice, and engage with the people in front of you.

6. Love with Prayer and Intercession

Christ’s love for us is a praying love. He intercedes for us before the Father, and as His followers, we’re called to pray for others. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to love like Christ—entrusting our relationships and loved ones to God’s care.

Practical Steps:

• In Marriage: Pray with and for your spouse daily. Offer prayers for their needs, challenges, and hopes, asking God to bless and guide them.
• For Singles: Pray for your friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers. Lift up their struggles, thank God for them, and ask for His grace to help you love them better.
• Everyday Action: Keep a list of people to pray for regularly. Offer small sacrifices or acts of kindness for their intentions.

Loving Like Christ: A Daily Call to Action

To love like Christ is not always easy, but it is what we are called to as Christians. It is a love that requires sacrifice, humility, patience, and selflessness. Whether you are married, single, or somewhere in between, each day presents opportunities to love those around you as Christ loves you—fully, deeply, and unconditionally.

Remember, the call to love like Christ is not about perfection. It’s about making small, intentional choices each day to reflect His love to those around you. In marriage, friendships, family life, or seasons of singleness, His love becomes the model for how we serve, forgive, listen, and give of ourselves to others.

As you go about your day, ask yourself:

• “How can I love this person in front of me as Christ would?”
• “How can I be a vessel of His love today?”

May we strive to love others with the same love Christ has shown us—a love that transforms hearts and brings us closer to Him.

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

What is one small way you can love like Christ today? Start with one step, and let His love shine through you.