Let’s be clear: the Apostle Paul is a powerful force in the story of early Christianity. His missionary journeys, his letters, and his passionate intellect helped spread the message of Jesus far beyond Jewish circles, translating divine love into practical life for people across the Roman Empire. In many ways, Paul was Christianity’s first great communicator, a master of public relations, if you will. But even he did not walk physically with Jesus, nor did he sit at the Master’s feet day after day like the disciples did.
And yet, even the disciples, entrusted with the firsthand teachings of Jesus, eventually found themselves caught up in the politics of religion. The church that began with intimate fellowship, mutual service, and simple love, gradually evolved into institutions of control, hierarchy, and often fear. Over time, that spirit of love was replaced with a mindset of “us versus them,” “right versus wrong,” and “our way or the highway.” This mindset, unfortunately, became the blueprint for nearly every denomination that followed.
But is that what Jesus intended?
Jesus didn’t come to start a religion. He came to transform hearts. He didn’t set out to create a theological system of boxes to check or a church hierarchy to enforce obedience. His message was, and still is, simple:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” — John 13:34 (NIV)
The love of Jesus mindset is not about power, performance, or perfection. It’s about presence, compassion, mercy, and humility.
When Jesus encountered the broken, the outcast, the sinner, and even the proud, His response was not rejection but redirection through love. Think of the woman caught in adultery (John 8), the tax collector Zacchaeus (Luke 19), or even Peter after his denial (John 21). Jesus didn’t shame them. He restored them.
Jesus didn’t command us to create church policies. He commanded us to love.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35
Throughout history, the church often moved from the margins of love to the center of power. By the time the early Christian church became entwined with the Roman Empire, it was already evolving into something Jesus never modeled: political influence, control over people’s consciences, and dogmatic division.
Paul himself warned of this tendency in the churches:
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” — Galatians 5:14-15
But we didn’t listen. Instead, many religious institutions emphasized fear of judgment, the legalism of ritual, and loyalty to doctrine over the transformational love of Jesus.
The time has come for a new kind of reformation—not one of structure, but of heart. Not a war on doctrine, but a return to love.
Here are some ways we can begin honoring the love of Jesus mindset today:
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- Lead with Compassion Instead of Correction
Jesus didn’t go around telling people what was wrong with them. He met them with understanding and healing. Before we correct others, let us first listen and love.
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” — Philippians 4:5
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- Embrace Radical Inclusion
Jesus dined with sinners, touched lepers, and spoke with women and foreigners—people the religious world rejected. Our modern churches should reflect that same inclusive love.
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28
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- Make Love the Litmus Test of Faith
Not church attendance. Not right theology. Not political views. The real measure of discipleship is love in action.
“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” — 1 Corinthians 13:2
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- Let the Church Be a Hospital, Not a Courtroom
People should feel safe to be vulnerable and messy in church. Jesus didn’t shame people into holiness; He loved them into healing.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion…” — Colossians 3:12
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- Speak Truth, But Only in Love
Truth and love are not opposites; they are partners. But truth without love becomes a weapon.
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become… mature in Christ.” — Ephesians 4:15
Love Is the Narrow Way
When Jesus said, “narrow is the road that leads to life” (Matthew 7:14), He wasn’t talking about a checklist of rules. He was describing the path of selfless love—a way that few walk because it demands surrender, humility, and forgiveness.
The time has come to return to that road. To live, love, and lead like Jesus—not with judgment, not with fear, not with division—but with radical, inclusive, healing love.
If we call ourselves followers of Christ, then love must be the way, the truth, and the life we live by.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13
~ David M Masters