March 27, 2018 - Jesus came to give his life for others, that all might have eternal life in him.
He gave up his life willingly for no man nor men could have nailed him to that cross if he had not allowed it to happen.
Before he left ascending back to heaven he gave us many things, one of which is this commandment which he called “my commandment”, giving it utmost importance to all who would follow him.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)
And so Christians all over the world would testify, I love others, my brothers and sisters as Jesus loved me.
Oh really, Jesus gave his life for you, that is the level of love that he loves us with. Not with words but with actions, a life given that others might have eternal life in him.
Jesus tells us that he comes, not like a thief to steal but to give life that others may live life and live it abundantly.
As he says; “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Jesus came that all might have the abundant life of the saved. That all who believe in him and accept him as Lord would know the abundant joy of living in his light, in the light of the world.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
Jesus, the good shepherd laid down his earthly life that all might be able to receive the abundance of life in him.
Are you giving of yourself as the Lord Jesus has taught us that we are to give if we are to follow his command, to love one another as he loves us?
When others wrong you or ridicule you or treat you with disdain, do you pray for them or do you harbor ill will toward them as they do to you?
While that is the worldly way; “to do unto others as they have done to you”, it is not the Christian way, the way we are to follow if we are truly followers of Jesus Christ.
The Christian way is; “to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The polar opposite from the worldly way, which says to get even, to repay with the same evil that was brought upon you.
As followers of Jesus we are to; “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.” (Romans 12:17)
All Christians are to be toward one another as Paul instructed the Corinthians.
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be not divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgement.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
Instructions for the church, that all be of one mind for all are members of one body, the body of Christ on earth.
Peter gives us much the same message of unity when he says; “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
As Jesus told us, it is by our love for one another that we will be known by the world as his own. It is by our love shown for others that Jesus is known by the world, for if we profess Christ, then we must also project Christ with our lives.
For whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Peter 3:10-11)
And so, I appeal to you brothers and sisters in Christ, turn from evil and do good today, reflect the image of the Christ by the life you live each day. Truly love one another as our Lord Jesus Christ loves us…
May all know the peace and joy that only comes through knowing the Lord Jesus and walking in his light each day…
