What Kind of Love!

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.  And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” 1 John 3:1-3

“To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth… For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:12-14,16

What kind of love has the Father given? Sacrificial love, in the sending of His only Son to earth to dwell among men and pour out His grace. Lavish love, that covered and forgave sins and saves His people unto eternal life. Adopting love, that takes what is not His and names it His own by right and pledge ofownership. Hopeful love, that redeems, and promises and ensures eternal security. Keeping love, that daily renews and sustains. Empowering love that inspires His people to holiness, purity, generosity, and mercy. All this kind can be seen in Christ Jesus, and is poured out in the hearts of those who come to Him by faith. (Romans 5:1-8)

What kind of love do I regularly exhibit? Selfish love, according to my convenience and parameters? Prejudicial love, according to my favorites? Stingy love, holding back plenty for my self care, my wants, my protection? Or sacrificial, unconditional, generous love that knows no bounds, as the Lord Jesus has shown me in limitless measure?

How willing am I to lay down my life- my preferences, time, resources- for others? What am I giving to meet practical, emotional, spiritual needs? It might be easy to click through a donation online, but what am I investing of energy, effort, prayer, personal involvement?

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

In light of God’s love for me expressed in Christ, and the fact that this love now resides in me also, shall I not love others in the same manner and measure? We might feel cold, unable, or depleted, but contemplating the relentless, passionate love of our Lord for us can stir the heart in supernatural ways. Loving as He loved us is possible in His name and power, and shows the world we are His. How and where will I spread God’s love today? (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:19)

“O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.” ~George Matheson (1882)

Father, help me love You and others with Your kind of love, so You are magnified.