Love

The birth of Jesus was God’s ultimate expression of love for humanity. He didn’t send His Son out of obligation or duty, but because love compelled Him to act to save us from the consequences of our sin.

Love cannot exist without sacrifice. God gave His Son. Mary and Joseph gave up their plans and reputation. Love always costs something, and Jesus didn’t shy away from that. He actively sought out people who were difficult to love and entered situations most of us would avoid. He came and died for people who “despised and rejected” Him (Isaiah 53:3), hoping that one day they would accept His sacrifice and return to Him.

This kind of love forces us to ask ourselves the hard question: How do we treat people who don’t love us back?

We don’t have to die for our sins or try to live a sinless life — that’s impossible. Jesus already did what we could never do. But God did give us two clear commands to demonstrate that we belong to Him: love God and love people.

It sounds simple, but it isn’t easy. Without even realizing it, we can slip into the Christian “safe zone,” loving God by showing up at church and investing most of our energy in people who already agree with us and love us back. But Jesus calls us beyond the kind of love that’s easy and automatic into sacrificial love that’s free from prejudice, full of humility, and guided by the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes it costs our pride to apologize first. It takes time to sit with someone who’s hurting. It might cost our comfort to forgive when forgiveness feels undeserved. True love is costly, but it reflects the heart of God in a way nothing else can.

This Christmas, don’t miss the opportunities God gives you to love someone like He does. Freely offer your time, attention, resources, and kindness. Look for opportunities to give it to someone who would never expect it. When you love like that, you give people a glimpse of the Savior.

Prayer: “God of love, remind us of the gift of Your Son. Teach us to love others as You have first loved us.”