"If what we call love doesn't take us beyond ourselves, it is not really love. If we have the idea that love is characterized as cautious, wise, sensible, shrewd, and never taken to extremes, we have missed the true meaning."
-Oswald Chambers, February 21, My Utmost for His Highest
Jesus' love for us took Him to extremes. He came from Heaven to earth, lived this life we are living without sinning, was crucified, and rose again so that we may be hidden in Christ and enter the Kingdom of Heaven. It doesn't get more extreme than that. I possess that love. Christ lives in me. Why, then, do I believe the lies that keep me from going to extremes in response to that love? I believe lies of guilt and inadequacy and I begin to focus on weaknesses rather than getting lost in the love that Christ has for me. I fear that I am not alone. It is my hope and prayer that we would begin to believe and rest in the truth rather than lies. The truth will set you free!
The truth is this:
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
-I John 4: 18
When we love from this truth, our love will be patient and kind; it won't be envious and it will not boast. We can however boast about one thing- our weaknesses. Instead of allowing our weaknesses to hold us back and stifle our love, let us boast in our weakness, "for when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10) God's power is made perfect in weakness. Jesus' love for us is extreme, and we can confidently love Him.
"For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are-yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
-Hebrews 4:15-16
After all, we really are not of that much use to God, but we are incredibly valuable to Him, and "once we are totally surrendered to God, He will work through us all the time." (Oswald Chambers) I feel privileged to be included in the work of God. I don't want Him to do what He is going to do anyway without me!
Your words blessed me.
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