To be a blessing to others is at the heart of Christian living, reflecting the commandment of Jesus to love one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus declares, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” This call to love is not optional but a duty that defines our faith. By loving others — believers, non-believers, and even enemies — we fulfill Christ’s command, become living testimonies of His grace, and store up treasures in Heaven.
The Duty to Love One Another
As followers of Christ, our primary responsibility is to embody His love. Jesus emphasized this in Matthew 22:39, stating, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” This love extends to fellow believers, creating a community that reflects God’s kingdom. When we care for one another, as urged in Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ,” we strengthen the body of Christ. To be a blessing in this way means sacrificially supporting others, whether through encouragement, prayer, or practical help. This fulfills our calling and glorifies God.
Loving Non-Believers and Enemies
Christ’s command to love is not limited to those within the church. We are called to be a blessing to non-believers and even those who oppose us. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus instructs, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” This radical love distinguishes Christians, showing the world a transformative faith. By extending kindness to non-believers, as seen in Luke 6:35, “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great,” we reflect God’s mercy and draw others toward Him.
A Testimony of Faith
When we love others, we become living examples of Christ’s teachings. Our actions testify to the power of the Gospel, fulfilling Jesus’ words in John 13:35 that our love identifies us as His disciples. To be a blessing through love — whether by helping a stranger, forgiving an enemy, or serving a brother in Christ — demonstrates faith in action. As 1 John 3:18 exhorts, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” Our love becomes a beacon, inspiring others to seek the source of our compassion.
Our Reward in Heaven
While loving others brings earthly blessings, our ultimate reward awaits in Heaven. Jesus promises in Matthew 6:20, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt.” Every act of love, every effort to be a blessing, is noted by God. Whether we care for a struggling believer, share the Gospel with a non-believer, or pray for an enemy, these acts of obedience store up eternal rewards. As Luke 6:35 reminds us, loving without expectation of return yields a “great” reward in God’s kingdom.
Be a Blessing Today
To love one another as Christ loved us is both a commandment and a privilege. By caring for fellow believers, showing kindness to non-believers, and loving our enemies, we fulfill our duty as Christians, become testimonies of faith, and secure heavenly rewards. Let us commit to being a blessing, living out 1 John 4:7: “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” Start today — love boldly, serve humbly, and reflect Christ in all you do.
For more related reading, view “Love One Another“.