Apr 15
Love at its Best
15th APRIL 2022
The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends [No one has greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends; Jesus’ death is the ultimate expression of this principle] John 15:13 EXB
What could persuade a blameless man to bear the sins of a fallen world? Sins so heinous and heinous that the Father was forced to turn His back on His only beloved son. The rejection of men was agonising enough, but the agony of rejection from the Father tore His heart apart!
However, God’s beloved bore the shame and pain of the cross not because He was powerless to save Himself or because He was forced to give up His life. The love that compelled Him to hang on the cursed tree was powerful. He loved us while we were still sinners — we are His passion!
It’s nearly impossible to talk about genuine love without mentioning giving. We give our time, our talents, gifts, our resources, and our companionship to those we care about. Christ, on the other hand, gave up His very life and exemplified the highest form of love expressed through sacrificial giving. The greatest act of love, according to our verse for today, is laying down one’s life for a friend. But, “were we His friends when He went to the cross for us?” This can only demonstrate how much He loves us; He chose us before we could even consider making Him our choice.
Today, as we commemorate Christ’s death, we must ask ourselves, “What must be my response to Christ’s reckless love for me?” The gift of His great love for us is intended to be shared so that all men can know and experience this love for themselves. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has set such a great example for us. What are you willing to give up so that someone else can experience Christ’s love?
Thank you, Jesus, for demonstrating your great love by taking my place on the cross. Please assist me in spreading the gift of Your great love wherever I go. Amen.
Further Reading: Romans 5:6–8 / John 3:16
Bible In One Year: 1 Chronicles [9–12]
