When we talk about being transformed, we’re talking about something very strong. It’s not a word to throw around because it means a real change in our nature or character or appearance. It signifies a turning point, something permanent, not temporary. So, what would you identify as the transformational points in your life? What person or situation or event has made a truly significant difference in your life—for the better?

If you think carefully about it, my guess is that the transformational points in your life came as a result of love. Love has the power to transform us.

For example, getting to know Jesus and accepting his gift of salvation certainly transforms our nature, doesn’t it? The Bible says we become new creations in Christ; the new has come, the old has gone. The love of God transforms us like no other love ever could.

No wonder John 3:16 is the favorite verse in the Bible for many people. 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. It’s because of this incredible love we can have eternal life. I love the old hymn that begins “Loved with everlasting love, led by grace that love to know.” And then ends by declaring, “In a love that will not cease, I am his and he is mine.” (George Wade Robinson, “Loved with Everlasting Love,” 1838-1877).

Knowing I am the one Jesus loves has transformed me. How about you? I simply can’t get through that hymn without tears of joy just knowing how God—the God of all the universe—loves me. Love is transformational. There’s no doubt about it.

Have you been transformed by the power of the love of Jesus? Have you accepted his free gift of salvation by confessing your sins and believing that he is the Son of God who paid the price for your sin, because he loves you? If not, there is no doubt you have an empty space inside of you that is love-starved for Jesus, and I would urge you even today to simply confess your sins to him and accept the love he offers.

It is God’s love for us that transforms us, and then, it is our privilege and responsibility to share that love with others. Romans 5:5 tells us that God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. When we are born into God’s family through faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, and he simply pours God’s love into our hearts.

Then, when we have received God’s unconditional love, we are admonished throughout Scripture to love as we have been loved by God.

John 13:34- 35: 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.

Romans 12:10: Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Matthew 22:37- 39: Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

Is there someone in your life right now who is trouble for you? Could be a co-worker or a boss, a child or a mate, a friend or foe. You know what they need? Love. I know—they’re probably not very lovable right now, but that doesn’t change the fact that they need love! What could you do today to show love to that person—undeserved, unconditional love? Maybe it’s a phone call or a note or a gift or a listening ear. Maybe it’s a lack of criticism and condemnation, a willingness to love them as they are, in their unlovable condition.

But here’s the roadblock we often encounter: How can you love someone when you don’t feel it? How can you show love when someone isn’t loving you back; when they are not lovable; when they may not deserve your love? Well, this is where God’s love in us has to kick in, and the good news is, love—God’s kind of love—is expressed in actions, not necessarily in feelings.