"Jesus informed [His disciples] that Love is selfless. It [(He/God)] wants what is best for the other person, even when that means letting go." Our Daily Journey true love Aug 16th, 2013 @ 12:01 am › jennifer benson schuldt A 13-year-old girl stole her brother’s car and drove 800 miles to meet a 12-year-old boy she met online. With romance on her mind, she filched her mother’s bankcard, slipped out of her bedroom window, and left her home in Cypress, Texas. Police finally apprehended her about 50 miles away from Nashville, Tennessee, where the boy lived. The girl was searching for love—something we’re all seeking. Jesus told his disciples about true love. During the Last Supper, He said to them: “If you really loved Me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father” (John 14:28). What a difficult thing for the disciples to digest. Their lives consisted of following Jesus both spiritually and physically. Yet Jesus informed them that love is selfless. It wants what is best for the other person, even when that means letting go. Jesus also said that those who accepted and obeyed His commands were the ones who loved Him, and that He would love them and reveal Himself “to each of them” (John 14:21). His words show us that loving relationships are reciprocal—not one-sided. Both parties invest in each other. Finally, Jesus proclaimed: “I will do what the Father requires of Me, so that the world will know I love the Father” (John 14:31). God required Jesus to take all our sin on Himself during His crucifixion (Isaiah 53:6). Jesus humbly submitted to the Father’s will. When we submit to each other, we model Christ’s humility; and where humility exists, love can grow. Today, as you grow in love, “may you have the power to understand . . . how wide, how long, how high, and how deep [God’s] love is. May you experience the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18-19). 5 Responses Ehdlive 11 hrs, 11 mins ago I love the way you said it, Jennifer that “that loving relationships are reciprocal – not one-sided.” Loving relationship in marriage also works that way. I think divorce rate will dissipate should every couple captures this truth. Tom Felten 2 hrs, 42 mins ago Great post, Jen. I was talking with a couple recently about the importance of showing love and encouragement to each other. It sounds so simple, but life (and its bruises) has a way of making us less loving and more concerned about winning arguments. As both husband and wife seek to grow in God’s love (and grow near Him), they will find the love for each other also growing—they’ll find true love! Jimgroberts 2 hrs, 41 mins ago It is a hope even for the unbeliever that love would be reciprocal. However because man is fickle and as is clearly shown in the bible Israel’s love gods varied continually. For if we love someone because they love us what happens when they don’t for what ever reason [e.g. a misunderstanding]. Mat 5:46-48 In the Greek this is called [Phileo]. However Gods love towards us [Agape] is superior and supernatural for it is unconditional – one-sided – gives without receiving. The perfect marriage however is built on this – that both parties follow the first commandment to love God [Agape] first and much more than there partner. And not draw themselves to each other but to God. And the second commandment also to love [Agape] their partner and their children and their neighbour as they love themselves. Paul adds for the sake of order in the household that wives should submit to their husbands. God adds a commandment again for order in the household that children should honour their parents. For order in the church Peter and Paul add that the body should submit to its leaders [Elders, Bishop] and equally the leaders should be servants of all. Jimgroberts 2 hrs, 34 mins ago Well said Tom – as we grow nearer to God we grow nearer to each other. This requires a selfless – unconditional – love, doing everything for God rather than the other But keeping a humble and servanthood to each other. Roxanne Robbins 2 hrs, 10 mins ago I found so many profound takeaways in this post, Jen. Thank you. …Today, I’m going to chew on the essence of “I will do what the Father requires of Me, so that the world will know I love the Father” (John 14:31) and how my own life should increasingly look accordingly.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 16:06:49 +0000
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