Love is not just another word. If we say it without the sincerity - TopicsExpress

Love is not just another word. If we say it without the sincerity of commitment we cheapen it. We turn it into a feel good expression that has no significant meaning. Consequently, when others come to lean on it they find it was nothing more than a facade with no substance behind it. True love endures. It doesnt say, I love you ...if... it says, I love you... PERIOD. To test this truth we need only look to our LORD, Christ Jesus. His love was not diminished by the cross. Rather, it was multiplied. Even as He rode through the throngs of people shouting, “Hosanna in the highest!” He could see the gravity of what was yet to come. He knew that His body was to be broken and His blood spilled on the altar. He knew that some of those who were singing His praises during His triumphant entry would be shouting, “Crucify Him!” shortly thereafter. He knew this and yet His love was not diminished by it. Well before His death, Jesus said something that foreshadowed the depths of His love. He said, “Greater love has no man than this: To lay down his life for his friends.” He said these words knowing full well that this was the manner in which His love would be tested. His words were not hollow. They proved true. Not only did He go on to lay down His life for His friends, but Jesus demonstrated His heart in the midst of His anguish with a short but profound prayer. “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” His love was tested in every way and proven unbreakable. “Father, my love has been put to the test and I confess that I have failed. While I desire to manifest such love, I realize that in and of myself I am unable. For this reason I ask, Jesus, live in and through me. Let the depths of Your love be manifest through this vessel. LORD, while my statements and actions in love have proved fickle, I see Your love demonstrated clearly through not only Your words but also through Your actions. LORD, I ask that You teach me. Teach me how to love in the manner which You commanded me to. Help me not to utter dead words which crumble under pressure but rather to speak words of life backed with my willingness to lay mine down for Your name’s sake. Thank you, Jesus for the cross. Thank you for demonstrating Your love. Thank you for bringing me from death into life. It is in Your precious name I pray. AMEN.” This love was poured out on YOUR behalf but have you reaped the benefit of it? If you have not bowed your need before the LORD Jesus, there is still time. Today is the day of salvation. Do you feel genuine sorrow for your sins? Do you long to receive forgiveness and to be made new? These are promises to the heirs of salvation... and they are yours for the taking. Will you confess your sin and repent? Will you ask Jesus to be your Savior and the LORD of your life? If you need someone to pray with you, please feel free to reach out to me.