This is how we know what love is; Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

1 John 3:16 (NIV)

Our identity in Christ is rooted in our spiritual union with Christ through faith, rather than our racial roots, social status, or personal accomplishments. The Holy Spirit enables us to walk according to God’s plan and purpose, resulting in a transformation of our hearts and minds to live the new life of love He has given us.

This new life of love echoes the love of the Trinity.

The love of the Trinity refers to the selfless, eternal, and infinite love that exists within the Godhead. This love is at the heart of the Christian faith and serves as an example of how believers should treat one another.

We are capable of loving each other as Christ loves us because He lives in us. If we refuse to love, or even choose to hate, we are working against what God desires for our lives. If we learn to be true to His calling to love, God will give us grace and teach us to love people the way He would have us love them.

Everything we do and say will either underline or undermine our understanding of the gospel. When we build our love and relationships on the foundation of Christ instead of our feelings and emotions, He will pour His love into us and give us the power to love well and to be sincere with others.

Christ defined and demonstrated love by laying down His life for us. Similarly, we are to love with action and in truth—not only when it is convenient, but even when it is most difficult. Such kind of love is not for the weak, the selfish or the insecure. It only flows from a heart made new by the Holy Spirit. This love is holy, perfect and pure.

When we trust God to help us love without fear or hesitation, we grow stronger and better at dealing with disappointments, rejections, and, in some circumstances, real trauma caused by differences and obstacles that divide us.