Sunday, February 19, 2012

February 19, 2012

Yesterday, I was reminded how great love really is.  I believe that some people are gifted in serving and loving others.  It's a talent and if you happen to know someone like that, thank them for being used by God and for the tremendous gift they were given.  Maybe, you had a parent that sacrificed everything for you or a husband that has stood by you through many trials, either way, love is a gift.

When we talk about falling in love or loving someone, I am not sure we truly know what love is.  For most, it's a feeling. Love is far deeper than a feeling.  It's a choice, a commitment, eternity.  Christ chose to die for us.  He committed his life to His Father.  He saved the world, not because He felt like it, but because it was His Father's will.

To experience that kind of love is the greatest gift of all.  I think we have moments of that in our lives.  When we are carrying our children, we know that kind of love.  When our children are going astray, we know that kind of love.  And when we go through times of fire with our spouses, we know that kind of love.  If you are single, you know that kind of love because God surrounds you with people that are committed to supporting and loving you in all your circumstances.

So what is love, it's God's way of committing to you for all time.  He sent His son to die for you and me.  Think about that for a minute!  Could you send your child to die?  Men and women may choose to go into the armed forces but rarely, do parents send them there.  In life, a parent's greatest fear is that they will bury their children before them.  No one wants that and yet, Mary watched as Her son fulfilled His legacy.   She watched as He was put on a cross and she watched as He took His last breath.  He is love personified and we need to remember it and live it, just as He did.

Women have a beautiful capacity to love but we also have a capacity to forget what love is.  We must stay in the fire and love through our circumstances.  We must bond together and love one another, not just today, but every day.  We can't let our feelings get in the way; we must choose to love even when the feeling isn't there.  The only way we will accomplish loving better is through prayer and reading.  God will help us choose to love, when we align our will to His.  We must not get into head games.  The only question we should ever ask is what direction do you want me to go and who do you want me to love today.

Take every opportunity to say, "I LOVE YOU."  But more importantly, take every opportunity to show your love, by choosing to love through sacrifice.  At the end of the day, to fully experience love, we must sacrifice our wishes and our desires so that we can know Jesus!

Romans 5:6-9 NKJV:

   For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

If you find yourself with no strength, take heart, for Christ is with you.  We are not alone in this life.  Reach out to a good friend and have them pray for you.  Meditate on the facts, like Christ died for you, He loves you and He will never forsake you.  And then thank Him for His sacrifice.  We may never know the depths of love that Jesus has but we can continue to grow in His love by loving others.  He is the present that keeps on giving!


My prayer today:

O, LORD, teach us what love truly is.  Give us an understanding far beyond feelings and open our hearts to the love you have for Your people.  Help us to remember those that have gone before us, who, like you, have shown great love and sacrifice.  Remind us daily that this journey is short but in every day there is an opportunity to love.  We love You and we thank you for loving us.  Keep us close as we grow closer to you.  Watch over us and provide the means for us to love others the way you loved us. AMEN

Until tomorrow...

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