12-13 This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. (THE MESSAGE)
We can throw the word ‘love’ around very carelessly. It may describe something deep and lasting, then again it may just describe the jangling of our hormones or an enthusiastically positive mood.
The love described in the Bible always seems to have as its defining benchmark the love God has for us. And this is no fickle thing. His love embraces commitment and faithfulness. This is to define our love as well. Just think how you would feel if those who loved you told you they were there for you till it got too hard, or till someone else better came along, or till you ceased being useful to them.
Leaving aside situations of abusive behaviour, love involves daring to make and caring to keep commitments. There is so much in life that is fragile and unreliable. But another person’s commitment to me can offer me an island of certainty and safety amidst a sea of confusion and doubt.
Our model of such committed love is Jesus. He loved us to the limit; he kept his commitment to us at great cost to himself. He backed up words with actions. He didn’t give up on us when we gave up on him. That is the sort of love is what we hope to receive and what we aspire to give.
Blessings
David Reay
Get daily encouragement delivered straight to your inbox
Writers from our Real Hope community offer valuable wisdom and insights based on their own experiences!
"*" indicates required fields
Subscribe + stay connected with all
our latest stories
"*" indicates required fields
Hope 103.2 is proudly supported by
