Greater Love
February 11, 2015
Ryan Showalter, Associate Pastor | Family Ministry
“Love each other as I have loved you.” These words come from
the Lord Jesus in the form of a command rather than a suggestion or good idea.
It seems pretty important, then, to consider how Jesus has loved us so we can
know how we are to love each other. The Scriptures teach that Jesus became a
servant—and not just any servant—he became a foot-washing servant, the lowest
of the low. The Scriptures also teach that Jesus humbled himself—and not just a
little bit—he humbled himself to the point of death. So how has Jesus loved us?
He has served us, humbled himself for us, and died for us, all so that we might
be restored to the Father in loving relationship.
Throughout the Scriptures we see the following pattern: God
does something for us and then instructs us to do the same thing for others.
Think of forgiveness (Matt. 6), comfort (2 Cor. 1), and looking out for others
rather than self (Phil. 2). John 15:12 makes it clear that love is part of that
list as well. Just as God has loved us, we are commanded to love others. This
is no “do as I say, not as I do” command; rather, our love finds its root in
the love of the humble servant, Jesus Christ.
Two questions to consider: First, are you experiencing the
love of God right now? Wherever you are in life and however things have been
for you lately, God’s love is for you! Second, do you love others the same way
God has loved you? If not, confess that sin to God, receive the forgiveness he
has for you in Christ, and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to cultivate love of
God and others in your heart.
ADDITIONAL
SCRIPTURES: Matthew 6:14-15; Philippians 2:1-11; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
TWEET THIS: God’s
love is for you, and God’s love in you is for someone else. Who will you love
today? #UpperRoom
