"Falling in Love with Jesus: Love What He Loves” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
What Kind of Love Are We Talking About?
What do we mean when we say we "love" something? In our world, the word gets tossed around easily—"I love pizza," "I love my family," "I love Jesus." But biblical love—the kind Jesus modeled—isn't shallow, temporary, or self-serving. It’s sacrificial. It’s transformational. It’s giving.
In this first message of our new series Falling in Love with Jesus, Pastor Vicki Harrison explores what it truly means to love what Jesus loves. She reminds us that to fall in love with Jesus, we must first understand what His love looks like—and who it's for.
Watch the full service video or listen to the sermon audio player.
What Does Jesus Love?
Here are five powerful truths from the sermon:
1. Jesus Loves His Father
At the center of Jesus’ life was His deep love for God the Father. This wasn’t just emotional affection—it was obedience. In John 14, Jesus says, “I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus chose the Father’s will over His own. Our love for Jesus is also measured in our obedience to Him (John 14:15).
2. Jesus Loves People—All People
From the disciples to the outcasts, Jesus loved those others ignored: the poor, the sick, the children, the sinners. His love wasn’t passive—it was active and always giving. As Pastor Vicki shared, loving like Jesus means we go beyond loving just those we agree with or find easy to love.
3. Jesus Loves the Least and the Lost
Jesus didn’t love from a distance. He touched lepers, sat with the lonely, and brought the broken into His family. Matthew 25 reminds us that serving those in need is serving Christ Himself.
4. Jesus Loves Children
In a society that viewed children as property, Jesus dignified them. “Let the little children come to me,” He said in Luke 18. To follow Jesus means we value, protect, and disciple the next generation.
5. Jesus Loves His Enemies
The radical love of Jesus extended even to His enemies. “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” He taught in Matthew 5. And on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them...” (Luke 23:34). This kind of love challenges us to examine our hearts toward those who are different, even hostile.
Let Love Shape You
Have you genuinely fallen in love with Jesus? One way to know is by asking: Do I love what He loves?
Falling in love with Jesus isn’t just a feeling—it’s a life of surrender. It's loving God with your heart, soul, and mind. It's choosing to love your neighbor, even when it’s hard. It's making space for the hurting, the marginalized, and the next generation. And yes, it’s even loving your enemies.
This week, reflect on:
Where is your love being stretched?
Who is God inviting you to love more deeply?
Are you walking in obedience or convenience?
Take a moment to pray. Then take a step—join a Group, reach out to a neighbor, serve someone in need. Let Jesus' love move you into action.
Know. Grow. Go.
At New Hope Church, we exist to help you Know Jesus, Grow Faith, and Go Multiply. This series is an invitation to grow in love and live it out with boldness. Imagine what God could do through a multi-ethnic movement of disciples who truly love what Jesus loves.
Ready to take the next step?
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More Sermons in this Series
Other Sermons from Pastor Vicki
