True Love

Image by Travis Seitler via Flickr

"True Love" By Diane Webb

John 10: 11—"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep."

A good shepherd places the life of his sheep ahead of his own because he loves them. He puts himself between his sheep and danger. If need be, he confronts predators to protect the sheep. A bad shepherd runs and hides in the face of danger—leaving the sheep alone on the hill as helpless prey. Jesus, the ultimate shepherd, gave up his life for his followers—us. He loves us with a love so deep few humans can comprehend it. He gave up his place in heaven to dwell on earth so we, his sheep, can be redeemed. Jesus' love is unconditional love. There are no strings attached. There is not a list of rules and checklists. He does not withhold it when we offend him. He does not use it to control or punish us. All he wants is for us to accept his love and love him back. The rest flows from this love—his love of us and our love of him. We worship him because we love him. We read the Bible to understand him. We go to church to be closer to him. We pray to talk to him. Have you ever had someone profess undying love to you then abandon you when you really needed them? Or someone who says they love you yet always put their own needs first—even if you had to suffer for them to do so? Are you constantly hurt by someone who claims to love you? So many people have never experienced real love to any degree. They have a misunderstanding that love is gifts, money, pampering, care giving, or physical intimacy. These things may come from love at times but is not love. If you have never experienced real love, you may find it difficult to believe in the love of Jesus. You may be blocking or pushing back the love offered without realizing it. You may not allow yourself to receive it. You may be so use to conditional love you automatically fall in to the routine of earning love. Love cannot be earned and it is not a weapon. Love cannot be dangled out in front of someone to get them to do what you want them to. Love cannot be withdrawn as punishment. Love is not an excuse to manipulate, guilt trip, abuse, or subjugate. It is a gift, is unconditional, and lasts forever. Jesus died for you before you were even born. You did not get a chance to earn his love; you received it in advance. Love is best described in Corinthians 13: love is patient, kind, not jealous, not boastful, not proud, not rude, does not demand its own way, not irritable, does not keep track of mistakes or wrongs, does not celebrate injustice, is happy when truth prevails, never gives up, never loses faith, is always optimistic, and persists through every situation (Corinthians 13: 4-7). Are you in a relationship that demonstrates these characteristics? Have you ever been? Are you in a relationship that is one sided—where you are expected to give but never receive? A relationship based on genuine love goes both ways. Like our relationship with Christ, we receive love and give love in return; although we can never love Jesus like he loves us. We are too broken to really understand the kind of love Jesus has for us. We don't have to understand. All we have to do is accept it—enjoy it. Do not be mislead into thinking love has to be earned and proven. It is not measured by the amount of money or material goods you give someone. Love is freely offered—it is unconditional. Accept this love from Jesus and begin to fully experience it.

Dear Lord, I pray you will help me gain a deeper understanding of real love. Help me open up to the love Jesus has offered me and to accept it as a gift. Help me show unconditional love to others as well. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.