Formation Through Loving Others

Spiritual formation does not happen only in private moments between God and ourselves. While prayer, Scripture, and worship are essential, God forms us deeply as we move toward others in love. Loving others—especially those we would normally ignore, avoid, or overlook—becomes a spiritual discipline that shapes us into the likeness of Christ.

This formation pathway invites us to listen, discern, and practice love in everyday life.

The Loving Others Formation Pathway

  1. Listen to the sermon

Begin by watching or listening to the sermon inspired by the book Stranger God by Richard Beck that explores how God forms us through loving others. As you listen, pay attention not only to the content, but to what may be stirring within you.

Ask as you listen:

  • Where do I feel challenged or uncomfortable?

  • What relationships or people come to mind?

  • What truth feels difficult, but necessary?

2. Reflect and Discern

After listening, take time to reflect prayerfully—either personally or with others. Reflect on the questions below to help you listen for God’s voice and name His invitation.

Consider:

  • What is God revealing about my heart?

  • Where might my love be limited, selective, or self-protective?

  • How might God be inviting me to move toward someone in love?

Formation begins when we allow God to speak honestly and clearly about how we relate to others.

3. Receive the invitation

From your reflection, identify one simple invitation God is extending. This is not about fixing everything at once, but about noticing where God is inviting obedience right now.

Often, the invitation will sound like:

  • “Move toward, not away.”

  • “See the person you’ve ignored.”

  • “Choose patience instead of frustration.”

  • “Widen your circle of affection.”

4. Practice the discipline of love | A Simple Love Practice

Intentionally seek out someone you would normally overlook or avoid and offer a small act of love—a smile, a kind word, a conversation, attentive listening, or simple presence.

This practice:

  • Requires no special setting

  • Interrupts self-centered habits

  • Trains us to lean in rather than withdraw

  • Expands our capacity to love as Jesus loves

In these ordinary moments, love becomes a spiritual discipline—and God does His deepest work.

5. Live It Daily

This pathway is not confined to church, a group, or a program.

It can be practiced:

  • At work

  • At home

  • In conflict

  • In routines

  • In unnoticed moments

Waiting in line. Sitting in traffic. Navigating difficult relationships. Each moment becomes an opportunity to love with intention and to be formed by God.

Why This Pathway Matters

As we practice loving others, we discover that God is already present in those spaces. Through everyday acts of love, God shapes our hearts, loosens our self-centeredness, and draws us deeper into Christlikeness.

To love others is not separate from loving God—it is one of the primary ways we learn to love Him.