2 Corinthians 5:14-15
How do we love one another? How do we express love? Is love something that is natural and automatic in people?
The sensation of love is a natural part of who we are. It is an emotion and a drive inside of us that comes with life. But how to go about showing love may require guidance, an example to be followed.
Paul explains in this letter to the church at Corinth that how we should live and love comes from someone else. Who is it that shows us love and how we are to live? Whose love moves our hearts to love also?
It is the love of Jesus that is an example to us. It is the love and sacrifice of Christ that shows us what love is all about. We are all sinners, frail and flawed humans who are not worthy to be in the presence of God. Yet Jesus died, gave himself freely for us so that through his sacrifice we are forgiven of our sins and therefore made worthy to be in the presence of God.
And through the example of Christ’s love we have guidance in how we are to live and love. We are to live and love with a sacrificial love, willing to give of ourselves and our abilities to help others and to honor God. Abraham loved God so much that he was willing to give up the thing he loved most, his son Isaac. Isaac loved his father so much that he was willing to trust his father even to death.
And Jesus loved us and our heavenly Father so much that he also was willing to give up what he loved – his own life – so that we may benefit.
The uncertainty of life is still around us. A struggling economy and an uncertain political climate may make us each desire to focus completely on ourselves, to work to be certain we have our own needs met. But we are called to no longer live for ourselves but for Jesus. We are called to trust and obey our heavenly Father as Jesus did, and as Isaac trusted his earthly father.
In spite of the struggles we face ourselves we must be aware and considerate of others in need. We must remember to be sacrificial and giving in our life and mercy. If we are fans of God, then we believe in His love. If we are followers of God, then we will follow the examples of Christ in how we love.
DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you demonstrate your trust in your heavenly Father?
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