Bible Passage: “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 NIV)
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
A leader in my church took his son to camp last weekend. After coming home, he told us about how another man from our church was serving tirelessly in the background to run the camp.
That same man was my youth leader three decades ago. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians describe him well:
“We loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thessalonians 2:8).
This man taught us about Jesus, and he invited numerous young men like me into his life and home. He fed us pop and chips while playing ping-pong and board games.
The same man is known for serving everywhere. Ask anyone who knows him in any sphere of his life, and you’ll hear about his kindness and sacrificial service.
Did I mention he’s in his 70’s?
The second mark of a godly man is that he’s known in all of his circles as someone who loves well.
The true test of our worship services, devotions, and convictions about our faith is the way we love our wives, children, co-workers, neighbors, and people from the political party we didn’t vote for.
Are you a man who is growing in love?
Let me ask you a few questions:
- Which of the words in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 could be fairly used to describe you?
- Would someone reviewing video evidence of your life find that you’re constantly putting the good of others above your own desires, pleasure, and ease?
- Would you be fairly described as someone full of grace and truth—someone who gets invited by tax collectors, sinners, and prostitutes to their parties, and yet someone who is also known for speaking the uncomfortable truth?
Godly men are known for loving others well.
This life of love happens as we abide in Christ and live in the power of His Spirit, transformed from the inside out. For today, I’m content to “remind you of these things, even though you know them…” (2 Peter 1:12).
The second mark of a godly man is that he’s known in all of his circles as someone who loves well.
His Kingdom come!
Prayer: Lord, we only love like this when we’ve come to know Your love and been empowered by Your Spirit! I’m ready to serve You today. Show me how I can join You in loving those around me and give me the strength to do it. Amen.
Reflection: List the 10 people you interact with most. Ask the Spirit of God to convict you of the truth (to neither be unduly hard on yourself nor easy on yourself). Now reflect upon how well you love those people (use 1 Corinthians 13 as a guide) and ask God to show you any next steps of love He’s calling you to take.
Copyright © 2026 Impactus. All rights reserved.
About
