Imitate His Love

Being a visual learner, I need a word picture.      When I see the ocean, I think of God's love.    God's love is deep, wide.      He loves us with the same love that He loves His beloved Son, completely. (John 17:23)  We are His children.  (I John 3:1)

Amazing!   As sinners, we deserve death. Yet, His perfect Son willingly died on the cross, so we might have life.   We received what we did not deserve.   This is love.   (I John 4:10)


What does this mean for us?  

John 15:12   
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

We must love others in the same way God loves us.    Generously and unconditionally.

Freely you have received, freely you must give.  (Matthew 10:8)

Who is sufficient for these things?  (2 Cor 2:16)
Paul says we are not.    In our own strength, we can not genuinely love others.

But, there is hope.   God is love and He lives in us.    God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.   (Romans 5:5)    When we ask Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit and love others through us, He will!!!   (I John 5:14-15)

Beloveds, be quick to confess your inability to love, and by faith, ask God to love others through you.

And when you do, you will become as a fragrant tree of life to those around you.
(Ephesians 5:1-2; 2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Warning:

Sometimes, loving others the way Christ loves you will be challenging.   Some people will sin against you; repeatedly.

Memorize and meditate on Romans 12:9-21. 

These scriptures will give you the power you need to obey God.

We are commanded to love others, even our enemies.
We must be holy as God is holy, merciful as he is merciful, and perfect as he is perfect.  (MH?)

Jesus loved us, undeserving sinners, with free and generous love.     Paul says, "imitate His love".   

Let this be your prayer:

I Thes 3:12

"...may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for ALL".....