Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 6, 2015
Guest Writer: Meet my friend Shana Schutte. We are blessed to have her as our guest writer.
Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34
There are times in all of our lives when we stand at the crossroads of love and self-protection. We can choose self-sacrifice and selflessness or selfishness and comfort. At these times, love requires great courage. This crossroad can come during relational conflict, when health problems or financial worries strain a relationship—or when we aren’t sure if the love we give a child, grandchild, friend, mate, neighbor, or coworker will be returned.
During these times, we must remember that when Christ calls us to love, we need to follow His example of courage. Jesus loved sinners. He loved those who wouldn’t return His love. He loved those who would break His heart.
“God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
When Christ stood at the crossroads of love and self-protection, He chose love. He was able to love selflessly and avoid the trap of self-protection because He lived to please His father; He lived to do the will of the one who sent Him (John 4:34).
A few months ago, I stood at the crossroads of love and self-protection. For part of a day, I chose self-protection. Then I remembered Jesus loved because He entrusted Himself to His Father and I also remembered that love requires courage. Sure, it would have been easier to run to protect myself. But when I decided to make it my goal to obey the call to love like Christ—rather than focus on my own fears and feelings—my anxiety subsided, my courage grew, and my compassion for those I was called to love increased.
Jennifer Fox wrote, “Loving someone with no promise of any return is a sacred kind of love.” Indeed it is because it takes faith. It takes being willing to follow Christ’s example to lay down your life. It takes a courageous heart.
“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that you have called me to love. When it’s hard to love, help me to choose love out of obedience to you. Help me to follow your example.
Application: Who needs my love, even though they may not love me in return?
Related Readings: 2 Timothy 1:7; Psalm 112:7; Luke 6:31; Romans 12:9; Mark 12:31
Post/Tweet this today: Loving without the promise of love in return is a sacred kind of love. #WisdomHunters #FollowChristsExampleofLove
Worship Resource: 4 minute video- Nicole Mullen: My Redeemer Lives
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