LOVING JESUS IS WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT
There is a dangerous temptation that settles quietly into the church over time—the temptation to measure faith by externals. We learn to read the room, to evaluate the service, to weigh the methods, to notice who fits and who does not.
One church dances; another stands still. One sings hymns carried by an organ’s breath; another lifts hands to guitars and drums. And somewhere along the way, the central question slips from our lips and our hearts: Do they love Jesus?
We judge worship styles as though reverence could be reduced to tempo; we judge clothing as though holiness could be stitched into fabric. We judge churches by size—too big must be compromised, too small must be dying. We judge preachers by tone—too loud, too soft, too emotional, too academic. We judge politics, backgrounds, vocabulary, denominational names on signs, and even the visible struggles of imperfect congregations.
Yet the Gospel cuts through all of this clutter with quiet authority: “If anyone loves God, this one is known by Him” (1 Corinthians 8:3). Heaven’s measuring rod is not nearly as complicated as ours.
A church may dance—and love Jesus deeply. A church may be fractured, weary, and limping—and still cling fiercely to Christ. The presence of problems does not mean the absence of love; sometimes it proves the opposite. Love for Jesus is often forged in weakness, refined in conflict, and revealed not by polish but by perseverance.
When Peter denied the Lord, Jesus did not ask him to defend his theology or explain his failure; He asked one question, three times—“Do you love Me?” (John 21:15-17). Love was the issue then; love remains the issue now.
Loving Jesus is not a vague emotion or a sentimental warmth; it is a lived allegiance. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
Love listens. Love follows. Love forgives. Love repents. Love endures when obedience is costly and faith feels thin. It shows itself not merely in what happens during a service, but in how believers speak, serve, suffer, and stay faithful when no one is applauding.
When we finally stand before Christ, the great audit will not revolve around music styles, seating arrangements, or church labels. The question will not be whether we approved of every method or agreed with every preference. The question will be whether our hearts were anchored to the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20).
Everything else—every argument, every criticism, every external marker—will fade into irrelevance under the searching gaze of His love.
May we learn to see as He sees; may we judge less and love more; and may we never forget that loving Jesus is what it’s all about.
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Lord Jesus, cleanse our eyes and steady our hearts. Teach us to love what You love, to see Your people through mercy, and to cling to You above all else. Keep us faithful, humble, and full of love—until we see You face to face. Amen.
BDD
