When we consider loving someone, we think in terms of actions and behaviors. We actually ask ourselves, Whats the loving thing to do? But then we have Jesus unexpected act of sacrifice which epitomizes the “loving thing to do” and it leads us to ask the question: Who am I? Without first asking this question, we unknowingly forget who we were and who Jesus believed we should be. Moreover, not answering this question places limits on our ability to love. For example, if we see ourselves as orphans needing to look out for ourselves instead of as Gods beloved children, we will limit our generosity towards others out of fear of not having enough. Likewise, if we think we are righteous by our own hard work, there will be boundaries to the way we are willing to serve others because our pride keeps us from serving those who arent “deserving.
…who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8 ESV)
Jesus was free to serve others in love because he knew exactly who he is: the beloved Son of God. Jesus was able to serve in a way that no one expected because he knew the Fathers love intimately. The same love God had for Jesus, Jesus had for us, and that led him to the cross. Because of Christ we have the same status and security with the Father; and so we become free to radically love in the same ways as Jesus. In Jesus’ death, we know exactly who we are–a child of God. Today, ask God to give you the courage to love like Jesus.
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