Choosing to Love - The Love That Doesn’t Walk Away

J. A. Fisch
Apr 2
3 min read

Scripture;

“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

— John 13:1

Additional Reading: Matthew 26:47–50, Luke 22:48, Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Intro

We love the idea of love.

We talk about it.

We post about it.

We say we want to live like Christ.

But there is a kind of love most people never talk about…

The kind that stays when it’s painful.

The kind that doesn’t walk away when it’s betrayed.

Because it’s easy to say we love like Jesus…

until we’re treated the way Jesus was.

Loving Like Christ

Biblical love is not a feeling we fall into—it is a choice we make. It is not built on comfort, chemistry, or convenience. Scripture defines love in a way that cuts against everything our culture teaches. In 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, we are shown a love that is patient, kind, enduring, and selfless—a love that does not keep score and does not give up. That kind of love does not come naturally to us. It must be chosen, and more than that, it must be learned from Christ Himself.

Jesus did not just teach love—He embodied it. And nowhere is that more evident than in the way He loved Judas.

Jesus knew exactly what Judas would do. He knew betrayal was already forming in his heart. He knew the kiss in the garden would set into motion the suffering of the cross. Yet knowing all of this, Jesus did not withdraw. He did not distance Himself. He did not treat Judas as an enemy before the act was done. Instead, He sat with him, shared meals with him, and even washed his feet. He extended the same love to Judas that He gave to the others.

When the moment of betrayal finally came, Jesus did not respond with anger or rejection. Instead, He looked at Judas and called him “friend” (Matthew 26:50). That single word reveals something profound about the nature of Christ’s love. It is not reactive. It is not dependent on how others behave. It is rooted in obedience to the Father and anchored in a love that does not waver.

This is where we begin to feel the weight of it.

Because we often love with conditions. We love when we are respected, when we are appreciated, when our love is returned. But the love of Christ operates on an entirely different level. Romans 5:8 tells us that while we were still sinners—still undeserving, still resistant—Christ chose to die for us. He did not wait for loyalty. He did not wait for change. He loved first, and He loved fully.

That is the love we are called to reflect.

Not a love that is easy, but a love that is costly. A love that forgives even when it is undeserved. A love that continues even when it is wounded. A love that chooses obedience over emotion. This kind of love will stretch us, confront us, and at times, break us—but it is also the kind of love that most clearly reflects Christ in us.

Because love is not proven when everything feels right.

It is proven when it costs you something to give it.

Heart Application

Love is not a feeling you wait for — it is a choice you make

• You are called to love people who cannot repay you

• Christ-like love continues even when you are wronged

• Obedience to God will often cost you emotionally

• Loving like Jesus means surrendering your right to hold onto offense

Reflection Questions

Do I love others only when it is easy… or when it costs me something?
Is there someone in my life I’ve stopped loving because they hurt me?
Am I willing to love in a way that reflects Christ—even if it’s not returned?

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You loved when it was hardest.

You loved when You were betrayed.

You loved when it cost You everything.

Teach me to love like that.

Strip away my conditions, my pride, and my need to be repaid.

Help me to love not based on how I feel… but in obedience to You.

Give me the strength to forgive, the humility to stay soft, and the courage to love even when it hurts.

Let my life reflect Your love—not just in words, but in action.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.