Love for Others
Love is a word used in our language to show so many different types of relationships and appreciations. I could say “I love my mom” or say “I love my fiancé” and the word love would infer two different meanings. Also, saying “I love your food” would bring in another dynamic. The word can be used so loosely in so many different ways. It can be very easy to misinterpret scripture without and accurate definition of the word love. In different versions of the bible one may see the word charity in place of love. Webster gives charity this definition, generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering. To take it a step further, the word used for love in the original Greek manuscripts is agape. This is the love portrayed in Christ’s sacrificial death, a voluntary act of laying His life down for the sake of others. John says if I love God, I love others the same way He does. In other words, because I love God, I will voluntarily lay my life down just as He did. What this means is I will make sacrifices in my life so that others may be lead into right relationship with God. The two can’t be separated. I am assured that I love others because I love God.
The love God demonstrated on the cross is the theme throughout the entire bible. God always had this type of love for His people. He expects His people to love the same way. That is one of the reasons why he demonstrated it. The power of this love goes uncontested and the essential element is humility. One cannot sacrifice his own life without the proper perspective. I am an alien to this world eagerly waiting to be brought into my eternal home in heaven, where Jesus is. Everything done in this world, but it being for the purpose of God, is meaningless. It will be burned up and have no eternal value. So I live my life in such a way to reveal this revelation so that others may enter into the same fellowship with God I have. Love is pointing others to Christ. I love others as I live for Him and through Him. I fall short daily by speaking falsely about His identify, saying selfish things in attempt to make my life more comfortable, failing to respond to or speak up about sin, or failing to respond to another’s need. Most of it has to do with what I say or fail to say, but I must realize the way I live my life is the biggest testament to God’s grace for others to see.
Daddy, I cannot live without your grace. I have stepped out and completely entrusted my identity with you. I’m not even trying to provide for myself. I’m really enjoying life. The spontaneous adventurous journey you have me on is humbling and difficult, yet so fulfilling I can’t adequately express my gratitude. Thank you so much for giving me life. You have sustained me through this season and have become larger than you were before this year. As I continue to walk for your glory, may I be guided by your hand and comforted by your presence. Amen!
Created about 2 years ago
