as HE loved

(in light of recent legislations being considered I decided to post this... I wrote it several months ago but now see its relevance)

Love.

When we say the word so many thoughts come to mind. Definitions. Expectations. Interpretations.

No wonder it is so difficult to pinpoint just exactly what it means when we say, Love one Another.

In an age where there is an “impending threat” on absolute truth and morality, this word gets thrown around a lot. Usually from those who don’t claim to follow Jesus but KNOW what He stood for and gladly join arms with Him when it fits their defense or justifies their behavior.

But from the other side, I observe a lot of fear. Fear that if I love them I may be seen as excusing “sinful’ behavior. Fear that extending grace may mean turning a blind eye to what the Bible clearly states is wrong. Fear that “they” are taking over and with “us” losing more and more to “their” side all hope is lost, our future surely doomed and our freedom at risk of extinction.

Perfect love casts out fear.

I fear things. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of torture or physical pain. I spend a large amount of time avoiding things that may cause tension or disrupt security and comfort.  I like the things I can control. And control I do.

I have come to the conclusion that one of the best definitions of love is: Surrender.

The need to be right.

The need to be understood.

The need to be respected.

The need to have freedom.

The need for comfort.

Because we say our ultimate example of love is He that came to live as one of us- and not for a second did He use the fact that He was GOD to his advantage, or to LORD over us. But squeezed through the vaginal birth canal to live just like us. HUMAN.  What comfort?

While His relationship with God was obviously a direct line of communication, He was still limited by human standards, His godly rights stripped when He breathed his first newborn breath. What freedom?

He was mocked, criticized, judged, belittled, laughed at, slandered, and ultimately beaten and killed… by HIS people. What respect?

He taught what was true, regardless of who understood. And was mostly misunderstood even by his closest disciples. While all He said was right, He in no way forced or demanded anyone to agree with Him. He was right regardless.

And this is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid his life down for us.

In the list of sins that Revelation 21:8 cites as unable to enter the kingdom of heaven, the first one mentioned is FEAR.

And yet all the others seem to take precedence when we are shaking our fingers at others demanding they repent OR ELSE.

Is that truly driven by love? Or fear?

Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.

Could this be the prayer of our hearts instead? Instead of demanding rights or freedoms for ourselves? Clinging ever so tightly to all we are entitled to, could we possibly surrender for the sake of love so that others might know what love is? Jesus. The word in flesh- whose entire life was one of complete and utter surrender.  Complete. Total. And Perfect love.

In Him there is no fear.  He has conquered the grave. We have nothing to lose. Love radically. Graciously. Fully surrendered.  His truth prevails. He is always right. He commanded that we LOVE. AS. HE LOVED. Thy will NOT my will.

Is it possible?