How have you responded to the love of Christ?
“No greater love is shown that a man lay down his life for a friend”
The love of Christ refers to His love for mankind, his creation, and is seen in His willingness to always act in our best interest. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).
Christ’s love is seen in his word of truth. “All of your word is truth” (Psalm 119:160). People will lie at will, even friends, but Jesus never told a lie. His teachings are for everyone who desires truth and wants to live wisely. He came to earth for us, teaching about what is good and right (light) and warning of what is evil (darkness). Through His teachings, we avoid many pitfalls in life, if we follow them. When we understand this we begin to trust and follow His commands for our life.
The love of Christ is seen in his willingness to serve. Jesus taught that true love is expressed through self sacrifice, not just words. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Jesus’ love is seen in the giving of the Holy Spirit. “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised.” ( Luke 24:49) In Ezekiel 26:36 God had made this promise. “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. This was fulfilled through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and His giving the Holy Spirit to those who trust Him. The Holy Spirit empowers us to say no to sin and begin living a new life of obedience trusting Christ.
His love for us is seen in His sacrifice for our sin, without which we would perish for eternity. “But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
This love, which He demonstrated toward us on the cross, is just the beginning. When we place our trust in Him as our Savior, He makes us God’s children, co-heirs with Him forever! He comes to dwell within us through His Holy Spirit, promising that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). No matter what we go through, He is there, and His love is ever available to us (Romans 8:35). But as He rightfully reigns as a benevolent King in Heaven, we must also submit to His Lordship over our lives as described in Roman’s 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your lives as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”
What a gift! God’s plan out of love, Jesus’ sacrifice out of love, so that we might not perish but have ever lasting life with Him in Heaven. “Oh that my life would be a reflection of gratitude, telling the world of His great love.” How have you responded to the love of Christ? Come!
Colby Reeves -member
Evangel Church PCA (evangelchurchpca.org)
Alabaster Al.