We read in the New Testament that God gave His son in order to re-establish a relationship with us.
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Jesus was the only acceptable sacrifice that could bring about that restoration. Jesus was without sin, yet He obediently accepted His Father’s will, He took on the sins of the world and nailed them to the cross. “He (God) who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all” Romans 8:32
We see in the life that Jesus led the definition of love. He freely served His Heavenly Father by giving His time, energy, food, friendship, love, and grace. He offered His love, obedience, fellowship, praise, and will to His heavenly Father. He lived to serve others. His eyes were never on Himself. He looked for ways to satisfy a need, quench a thirst, teach a lesson and please His Father. His joy came from serving His Heavenly Father and giving to others.
We are called to live a life of love.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
“And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Ephesians 5:2
By looking into the Word of God and contemplating the life of Christ, we see that the power of love is remarkable but costly. Individual acts of sacrificial love have a transforming power.
There were lepers, cripples, and blind men transformed by the healing hand of Jesus. The sacrifice Christ made on the cross has transformed you and me! We were condemned in our sin but His sacrifice has provided us with a real hope. We can rest in the promise of eternal life.
This Easter, let us all reflect on the command to love one another. Let us love show our love in our actions to others. It will require sacrifice on our part, but let us all strive to be His hands!
“Not with eye service, as men-pleasers but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 6v6
“For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” Mark 3:35
Below are three excellent examples of how we must show the love of Christ to one another in every aspect of our lives:
“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
“… Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;does not behave rudely, does not seek it’s own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
By doing the will of God in our lives like Jesus did, we can have everlasting life.
“That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life … For God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:15-16