1 John 4:10
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Do you recall the old story about a young man’s love note that he sent to his sweetheart? I am sure that my recollection is not 100%, but it went something like this. “Dear beloved, you are more precious to me than I can ever express. Your beauty and grace captivate my thoughts. I love you so much that I would climb the highest mountain for you. I would swim the widest river for you. I would sacrifice everything I own for you!” “P.S. If it doesn’t rain I will drop by and see you Friday evening about seven o’clock.”
Pure love, true and abiding love is sacrificial in nature. It is willing to die in order to prove the validity of its very being.
I once taught a class in Boise, Idaho called the Pairs and Spares. It was made up of newly married couples as well as young professionals. One engaged couple had a keen sense of humor. The fellow delighted in saying to his fiancé, “Submit, woman!” She would respond, “Die, man. The moment you show true love by dying for me, I will submit to you!”
I called and talked with the husband a few days ago. It was the first time I have spoken to either of them in over forty years. He is now a successful pastor in Ontario, Oregon. His true love has burned true and they are a living example of love in action.
Jesus loved us so much that He shed His precious blood for our sins. He paid the price that only He could pay. His blood was the only pure blood that was not tainted by the original sin nature that was passed down from Adam. We demonstrate our true love for Him by dying to ourselves and being raised with Him.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
– – – Pastor Cecil