OUTCOMES OF FOLLOWING JESUS

Love

Biblical love begins with God. It is revealed most clearly in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection — a love marked by sacrifice, humility, and faithfulness. This kind of love moves toward others not based on worthiness or ease, but from a heart shaped by grace.

As an outcome of following Jesus, love grows as the Spirit reshapes our desires and priorities. Over time, love becomes less about self-protection and more about self-giving, forming a way of life that reflects God’s heart in how we live, serve, and relate to others.

Self-Reflections

Use the reflections below not to judge yourself, but to notice what patterns may be shaping your love.

Signs of Healthy Formation

  • Willingness to put others’ needs ahead of your own
  • Patience and grace in difficult or imperfect relationships
  • A growing desire to love others the way Christ has loved you

Signs Something Is Off

  • Self-protection outweighs self-giving
  • Relationships become transactional or conditional
  • Sentiment replaces sacrificial commitment

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

— JOHN 15:12-13

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

— 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7

We love because he first loved us.

— 1 JOHN 4:19

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

— COLOSSIANS 3:14

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

— EPHESIANS 5:1-2

EXPLORE FURTHER

Resources to Help You Become Loving

A Gospel in Life message from the Fruit of the Spirit series that unpacks the nature of biblical love and…

SHAPING LOVE

What Often Undermines Love

When love weakens, it often reveals a heart turned inward. Love erodes when pride, control, or unforgiveness take priority over humility and sacrifice. Common disruptors include:


Pride & Self-Exaltation

Pride & Self-Exaltation

Looks at how elevating ourselves damages connection, and how humility rooted in Christ restores relationships.

Control & Power Over Others

Control & Power Over Others

Unpacks the desire to manage people or outcomes, and how trusting God reshapes leadership, love, and freedom.

Unforgiveness & Division

Unforgiveness & Division

Explores how holding onto hurt creates distance, and how forgiveness through Christ opens the path to healing and unity.

SHAPING LOVE

What God Often Uses to Form Love

God forms love as we learn to receive His love and live it out with others. Through daily surrender and life in community, love becomes increasingly shaped by Christ.
Serving

Serving

God has uniquely gifted you to make a difference. Serving on a team is more than filling a role—it’s a way to use your talents to impact lives, grow spiritually, and build lasting friendships. Whether it’s greeting at the door, helping with kids, or running tech, there’s a place for you at Sonrise.

Through Community

Through Community

Community is where faith becomes lived and strengthened through relationships, encouragement, and shared growth. Find ways to connect through services, groups, classes, mentors, and events.

An Invitation to Join Us @ Sonrise

Church doesn’t have to be intimidating. At Sonrise, you can show up as you are, connect with people who get you, and leave knowing it was worth it. Our campus is located right where Santee, Lakeside and El Cajon come together. Join us this Sunday at 9:00 or 10:40 by visiting us at 8805 Magnolia Ave. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here.

Sonrise Church

Sonrise Church

8805 N. Magnolia Ave

Santee, CA 92071

Get Directions

Service Times:

  • Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
  • Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)