What the world needs now, is love, sweet love. It’s the only thing that there’s just too little of.
What the world needs now, is love, sweet love. No, not just for some but for everyone.

These words form the chorus of a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and released in the mid-sixties. The song’s appeal for unity resonated with the American people who felt deeply divided over the Vietnam War. Although written over 50 years ago, its timeless message has continued to inspire musicians to produce newer versions of the song.

I’ve thought of this song during this final week of Advent, because at the heart of Jesus’ ministry is love. Love created and characterized His ministry. And those of us who continue to minister in His name are called to love as He did.

Created in Love

If you had to describe the world with just one word, what would you choose? A couple of years ago I asked that question on social media. Words like disheartening, chaotic, confused, corrupted, divided, lost, and messy took center stage. Sadly, these descriptions ring true, because we live in such a fallen world.

These words certainly don’t create a warm, fuzzy vibe, or describe something lovable. And yet, the Bible tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NIV emphasis added).

Love for this world prompted God to send Jesus to us. And out of this love, Jesus created His ministry on earth. 

Characterized by Love

From the beginning of His ministry to the end, Jesus loved others by serving them. Examples of Jesus healing people, feeding the crowds, and teaching the multitudes populate the gospels. 

But the story of the rich young man shows us another way Jesus loved. Although he had achieved the standard of righteousness dictated by his culture, this young man asked Jesus if he needed to do anything more (Mark 10:17-20). In response to his question, we read:

Jesus looked at him [the rich young man] and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21 NIV emphasis added)

In this passage, Jesus loved the young man by telling him the truth. The Bible tells us the man went away sad, because he had great wealth (Mark 10:22). Sometimes the truth hurts. But Jesus knew that those who seek and follow the truth will be set free (John 8:32). He loved people enough to share the truth, even when it caused pain.

Near the end of Jesus’ ministry, the Apostle John describes how Jesus washed His disciples feet, a task generally reserved for the lowest of servants (John 13:2-5). After washing their feet, Jesus then went to the cross and demonstrated the greatest love of all:

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13 NIV emphasis added)

Called Us All to Love

After modeling love for others, Jesus calls us to do the same:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 NIV emphasis added)

Yes, the world needs more love. The love Jesus brings. In other words, the world needs more Jesus. When we love others as He has loved us, we bring more love, more Jesus, into this fallen world. 

As I look forward to celebrating Jesus this Christmas, I’m reminded of my favorite Christmas carol, O Holy Night. A few lines in the last stanza summarizes Jesus’ ministry of love: 

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace (emphasis added)

Wherever our journeys take us this Christmas day, I pray we remember the love Jesus brings. And as we remember, may we love others as He loved us.