SELFLESS LOVE

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16 NLT

       Real love isn’t solely a feeling, it requires action. It’s a behavioral characteristic that is shown thru selfless, sacrificial living and giving. Christ gave up His life for us.  We aren’t asked to do that, but rather to live for others.  Sacrificial love can come in the form of listening, encouraging, helping and giving.  Ask the Lord to direct you to someone who is in need of love.  Activate your selflessness and be a blessing.

       Just as Christ’s life was a living sacrifice poured out for the sake of all mankind, so must our selfless love be poured out like a fragrant balm over all we meet.  Giving up our own desires for the sake of others is a noble endeavor and shall be a jewel in our heavenly crown one day.  When others see us they are to see Christ in our demeanor and our actions.  I know I have a long way to go myself, how about you? 

       It may seem like an easy task to love our brethren, but there are times when loving our brethren can be one of the hardest things we will ever have to do.  It’s not an option.  It’s not a suggestion.  We are to love others even as we are loved.  The love we receive from the Lord is of the unconditional variety.  Some of the most undesirable folks may be in need of the gift of unselfish love that you have.  Rise above your own predispositions and prejudices and reach out to those you wouldn’t normally attempt to minister God’s love, grace and mercy to.  Rely on the Spirit to enable you to slip out of your comfort zone and be the blessing they may so desperately need.  We all need to be loved and accepted.  Sometimes being God’s hand extended will bless you even more than the one you reached out to.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resource:  Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2012.