LOVE LIKE JESUS
Matthew Griffin
Today's Scripture: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, ESV
Theme: Jesus came to communicate to us the Father’s love.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH US?
What was the world like when Jesus came to the earth? To start, the social hierarchies were the driving force for the cultures of that time. You could not associate with someone out of your social class. This created extreme divisions in all cultures, all over the earth. The wealthy looked down on the poor; the poor despised the rich; the middle class did not associate with either one of them. This system was completely devoid of the love and relationships that we were designed to have.
But in this culture, the ruling parties--the ones who had set up these hierarchies, thought they were doing everything right. Stick with the status quo, stay in your lane, follow the rules, and you will be alright, they preached. They had completely forgotten about the faith-driven love that Abraham had, and that God had for Abraham and his children.
This is why Jesus was so radical! He told the rich to give their wealth away to the poor (Luke 18:18-22). He told the oppressed to love their oppressors (Luke 6:27-28). Jesus knew the only way to show us the love of the Father was in human form. Jesus wouldn’t have let a Facebook post get in the way of His love for you. He doesn’t care which news channel you watch. He loves all equally, not at all as we do, we who are so quick to resent our bosses when we think they made a mistake or our friends over a misunderstanding.
CHANGE THE MINDSET
We are constantly reminded as followers of Christ at how vastly counter cultural we should be. As followers of Christ, we must continue to act as Jesus did. Romans 12:2 (ESV) says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Our Father in heaven gave His only Son so that we could be saved. Jesus endured hunger, restlessness, beatings, mockery, loneliness, and so much more to rescue us. And even to the very end, His love for us never wavered (Luke 23:34).
Make it Personal: I want to challenge us this week to bear the image of Christ more and more. Are you striving to live “full of grace and truth”? Is there an enemy, friend, or family member who you need to forgive? Is there a coworker who you could show mercy to? (You know, the one that really hinders your progress.) Maybe for you, the Holy Spirit has put a certain person on your heart who really needs some help and encouragement to make a fresh start. As the body of Christ, let’s go the extra mile to help our kids study for that test; ask our spouses how we can help them; or be the person with a good attitude when things get frustrating at work. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12, ESV).
Pray: My God, it is an honor to be called Your Child. You have been so merciful and patient with me. As this year ahead unfolds, make Your will known to me. Give me a renewed mind when it comes to how I love. Grow my patience and slow my anger. Thank You for loving us at all costs. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: Matthew 5:43-48; Galatians 5:22-23; John 3:16-21
Weekly Memory Verse: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, ESV