The Highest Degree of Love

Now before the Passover Feast began, 

Jesus knew (was fully aware) that the time had come 

for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. 

And as He has loved those who were His own in the world, 

He loved them to the last 

and to the highest degree.

John 13:1 AMP

Love of the highest degree, those words really resonated with me this morning. Jesus was fully aware, His time to die a brutal death was at hand. The death of Jesus Christ was (and is) the highest degree of love ever to be displayed on this earth. Jesus showed us, in life and in death, exactly what Love looks like.

As I spent time in this verse, I began to make a list of what the Jesus kind of love looks like. Sacrificial. Empty of self (of personal agenda or self-gratification). Costly. Obedient. Painful. Timely. Other centered. Humble. Tangible. Intentional. Pure.

Paul shows us what Jesus' life of love looked like in Philippians 2:5-8 NIV, 

In your relationships with one another, 

have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Who [Jesus], being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God 

something to be used to His own advantage;

rather, He made Himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

He humbled Himself

by being obedient to death -

even death on a cross.

Sometimes it is hard to find this kind of love. Let's face it, our idea of love is wrapped up in what we want, what we think we deserve, what we think will fulfill us. It's about tit for tat. It is about feelings. It is about trying to get our needs met. It is whimsical and fickle. We all complicate things, consciously and unconsciously. The tangled web is sticky.

I find it difficult to unravel the complexity of what I desire and what is in the best interest of others.  Things are seldom simple but rather messy and confusing. Do I need to overlook an offense? Or is the loving thing to go to someone with what offends in order to work it out in a mutually beneficial way. Do I need to do something outside my comfort zone? Am I willing to be inconvenienced? Do I need to spend more time in prayer? The list of ways we can love is endless really, and it is always unique to the people and situations at hand.

The thing is, love takes awareness, discernment, and intentionality. Sometimes I'm not clear on how to love well. But what I have learned, is spending time with the Lord, One on one, is how I can mature in my ability to love. It is how I can listen for what He might want of me. And yes, sometimes it is damn hard. 

The beauty of spending time with God is, we are reminded of His unconditional, enduring, and pure love. As we make the time to seek Him, He shows us His love, personally, over and over again in so many ways. 

As I experience God's matchless love, I am able to extend it to others. I can offer God's love, in faith and with grace.  It isn't always easy and by no means am I any expert at it but I am working at it. It is this kind of love the world desperately needs, has always needed. It is what we all crave.

Philippians 2:5 tells us Jesus, the innocent One Who died for us all, is our example for living. He came to show us, His followers, how to love the world. Pretty big sandals to fill and of course only Jesus did it perfectly. We do fail, but we must  keep trying, trusting He is in the process.

This journey of learning to love is what we are called to, as we walk the dusty roads of life. It is what maturity in Christ looks like. God help us all as we seek Him in the gritty work of loving.

Here are some questions to prayerfully ponder 

as you look for ways to love the Jesus way:

1. Who do you find it difficult to love? What is it in you that finds this person or situation hard? Have you been hurt or disappointed? What is your part in the situation (keep it real here)? What feelings, actions or words do you need to take responsibility for? How might you be complicating things (even for yourself)? What are you  trying to control that you need to surrender to the Lord?

2. Are you going to the Lord (as opposed to venting to others) when you find it hard to love? This does not mean good counsel isn't appropriate at times. Are you asking God to show you what your part in the relationship is? How might your mindset might need to change in order to live out what He is showing you? What is He telling you to do...or not do? Are you willing to give it time, understanding there are seasons in life when there are no quick or easy fixes? Are you trusting God is at work IN YOU, even when the way forward seems murky and difficult? 

Thank the Lord for being with you in the midst whatever is  going on in your life and for His unending love for you. 

May the Lord direct your hearts 

into God’s love 

and Christ’s perseverance.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 NIV