What Is Love?

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” -John 15:13

The gospel is not built on self-help. The gospel is not built on behavioral modification. The gospel is not built on making us feel better about ourselves. It is not built on guilt, condemnation, or having all the answers. 

The gospel is built, from its foundation to the very edges of the cross, on love. Not just any love, but the selfless, grace-giving, sacrificial love of Jesus poured out at Calvary for the sins of the world.

One could argue that true love does not begin until a sacrifice has been made. A sacrifice of our time, our resources, our prayers, or perhaps even our lives. This is the love that Christ has so generously given us, so that we can pass it on. As he said, “love one another as I have loved you.” This is a high calling, and sacrifices will need to be made. But what is gained through sacrificial love is far greater than was is given, every time.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank you that you sent your son to save me. Jesus, thank you for your sacrificial love. I pray that you would help me to model it today. Give me the strength to lay down my life for those around me, so they can be given a more accurate picture of who you are, and how beautiful your gospel is.