Eternity Series: How to Love

Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39) — a command that’s harder than it sounds for the best of us. This month’s Eternity Series blog is all about… you guessed it: love. Loving your neighbors, loving your spouse, and yes, even loving your enemies. Let’s dive in, because we’ve got a lot to cover.

What Is Love?

No, not that 90s song by Haddaway (“What is love? Baby, don’t hurt me!”), but real, actual love. In simple terms, love is deep affection, care, and concern for someone or something.

Let’s be honest — love isn’t easy. Many of us struggle with it, and some of us don’t even really know what it means. I think the word “love” gets thrown around too casually these days. “Oh, I love that shirt!” or “I loved that movie!” — that’s not love. Real love is intentional, consistent, and sometimes sacrificial. That’s why we’re starting here, with the definition of love, before we dive deeper.

And here’s the amazing truth: even if you feel like you aren’t loved, God loves you. So much so that He gave a way for us to be close with Him and live together in eternity. That’s the ultimate example of perfect, unconditional love.

Love Your Neighbor

Jesus tells us to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). That means having deep affection, care, and concern for the people around us.

Loving your neighbor can look like:

• Offering help when someone’s struggling

• Sharing a kind word or note

• Listening without judgment

• Volunteering your time or resources

The beautiful thing? These acts are often simple, yet profoundly impactful. More people would genuinely love their neighbors if we all made humility, patience, and kindness a priority.

Love Your Spouse

Now, let’s talk marriage. I’ve only been married two years, so take this with a grain of experience — mixed with a whole lot of Scripture! Jesus teaches us about love in marriage as well:

Husbands: “For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.” (Ephesians 5:25)

• This teaches husbands to love selflessly, sacrificially, and deeply.

Wives: “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)

• Wives are called to love their husbands with respect, care, and devotion.

Real-life ways to practice this love:

• Listening actively to your spouse’s needs and concerns

• Encouraging each other daily

• Serving one another selflessly

• Praying together and for each other

  
  

The more love you intentionally practice in marriage, the more your relationship thrives — and yes, it really does contribute to a more prosperous, joyful life together.

Love Your Enemies

And yes, even our enemies. Jesus commands: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

I won’t lie — this is hard. I’ve been there. But loving your enemies doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior or being a doormat.

It’s about:

• Letting go of bitterness

• Praying for their well-being

• Seeking reconciliation where possible

• Responding with kindness rather than retaliation

The miracle? Sometimes, loving your enemy softens their heart — and yours. It can even transform relationships in ways you never imagined.

Prayer & Acceptance

Father, help us love the people in our lives — our neighbors, our spouses, even those who challenge us. Teach us to love as You love: deeply, sacrificially, and unconditionally. Thank You for showing us Your ultimate love, giving us a way to be close to You, and offering us eternal life with You. May our homes, hearts, and communities reflect Your grace. Amen.

Until next time,

Hannah <3

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Let’s Talk—Discussion Question

Take a moment to reflect on today’s blog post and share your thoughts in the comments! I’d love to hear your perspective and learn how I can support you on this journey of exploring faith. My hope is to create a safe, welcoming space where we can come together, share ideas, and have meaningful conversations about life, purpose, and what it all means.

This week’s question is: Which area of love do you struggle with the most — loving your neighbor, your spouse, or even your enemy? How might God be inviting you to grow in that area this month?

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