Back in October 2008...The scripture verse that touched me in particular today is –
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
I appreciate that You demonstrate Your love toward us this way, Lord. You demonstrate because You want us to mimic You and love others this way. I don’t want to say “please help me” in all of my prayers, but I cannot do these things without You. Love others through me, Lord, especially when they don’t deserve it. Just like I received Your love when I was Your enemy.
Love is unconditional…
Today, I made my honey’s lunch and a pot of coffee so he can have a cup when he wakes up. A few days ago, I did laundry so he would have clean clothes. I’m fairly well practiced in this art of ministering to my husband in tangible ways. Maybe I should iron his pants…
That was then, this is now...
God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
True love is unconditional. We have a perfect example of this in God’s love: He sent Christ to die for us while we were actively sinning. We were His enemies and He still humbly paid the ultimate price for us: torture and death. But what strikes me most about today’s verse is not simply (or rather, complexly) that love is unconditional, but that love is demonstrative. How can I DEMONSTRATE the UNCONDITIONAL NATURE of my love?
That’s a difficult question. I don’t often succeed in this. I suppose forgiveness of a grievous offense is one way to do this, but I don’t forget the offense, and I have the nasty habit of throwing it back in his face when he doesn’t deserve it. But, you know what? He doesn’t do the same to me. WOW! Thank You, Father, for bringing this man into my life! I suppose that part of the point of this is that we demonstrate our love even when the other person doesn’t deserve it. Now, I’ve got another individual invading my thoughts… Anyway, back to my husband, how can I practice this? By helping him with something, such as doing one of his chores, when we are disagreeing over something. That sounds lame, but if I pray for him and our relationship while I’m doing the task, my heart will soften. Lots of this “Love Dare” stuff takes you to the throne in prayer.
Thank You, Lord, that I can come to You at any time, in any place, and say anything. Please speak to my heart and mind about how to creatively demonstrate the unconditional love you have for my husband and for that other person who popped into my head a moment ago. Teach me to demonstrate Your love to others. In Christ’s name. Amen.
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