No greater love! John 15:13 tells us that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Am I willing to lay down my life for a friend? How about you? Are you ready to give it all up for a friend or maybe a foe? A big question for sure, or is it?
My heart is genuinely touched when I hear stories of people risking their lives for another life. The military person who goes to war, or the firefighter, without a thought, enters a burning building to save an unknown soul. Or the man who enters the collapsed coal mine cave to rescue a fellow worker. And the missionary who travels into the deepest jungle to teach God’s saving grace. Yes, a hero in every area.
Yet, scripture tells us that God so loved the world that He gave His life for you and me, for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). Is this considered heroic or love? His love is for the rich, the poor, the murderer, the thief, the honest soul, and the liar, all-inclusive. No questions asked. He voluntarily gave his life on the cross of Calvary for you and me, that we might be saved. What greater love is there?
This love rubbed off on me when Jesus entered the depths of my soul. Of course, not to his deepness yet I did notice that my love for my fellow man increased when Jesus entered my heart. This unconditional love was different from the previous conditional love. How does one explain this phenomenon? I joined openhanded mode when visiting the impoverished villages in Papua, New Guinea and the Philippines or upon seeing homeless men or women on the street corner. How does this work?
Life works best when centered on Jesus’-agape love. People look for healing and restoration from hurtful life events. Jesus offers love, forgiveness, infinite mercies and faithfulness, compassion, and, yes, His unconditional love. He is available to pick up the disappointing pieces in our life. Roman 8:28 tells us that all things work out for good to those who love him. He restores, and then the restoration becomes His hands and feet. His love for others rubs off the converted, and they, in turn, can offer love and restoration.
Jesus is the answer. His wrapped arms around His children offer the transformation between loving, living, and life. Those who have experienced His unconditional love are and have the testament of His goodness. John 13:34 (NKJV) says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you might love one another, as I have loved you…” Leviticus 19:18 tells us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. The challenge is to invite Jesus into your heart and see what happens.
~Maggie Dembowsk October 2023
