““For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 AMP
The Scripture is clear, I am loved! In this day and age, there are many different interpretations of the word love to be had. I trying to nail it down we must look to the Word of God for clarity. In speaking about love Jesus said the following:
“No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.” John 15:13 AMP.
Notice that the word used here to describe love is commitment! In the Greek language there are three words for love. The first is philias. It means brotherly love. That is the love we share with our friends and is generally the foundation of our social circles. The second word used is Eros. Eros is the sexual attraction and love we feel in the flesh. It is what draws us and connects us to our spouses. This love has been seriously perverted by the enemy and has generally lost its mystery and adventure. The third word is Agape. Agape is a love that transcend feelings and is sacrificial in nature. This is the Word used in our opening verse. Agape seeks the highest good for the recipient regardless of whether it is reciprocated or not. Jesus statement about laying down a our life for another is exactly what He did for us lost in our sin! The Apostle Paul encourages the Christian to have this attitude in their life.
“Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, 2make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel–the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ]. 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. 4Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],” Philippians 2:1-5 AMP
WOW! I don’t think I have to say anything else! I would however point out verse 5, “5Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility].” I often reflect on the following verse during communion:
“[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]” Hebrews 12:2 AMP
Do you see those words? “who for the joy…endured the cross” What joy was there in the suffering and shame He knew He was facing? They beat Him, mocked Him, they crucified Him all in the name of self! Yet, I would like to believe that during that time He saw me, He saw you! Seeing us He was determined to not let the enemy win but that we were worth the pain! I have often heard that if you are struggling with the fact that God loves you simply look to the cross! Let me encourage you today with these words,
“Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];” Ephesians 5:1 AMP
Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken