Love No Matter What

Bible Reading: Romans 5:6-11

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.   Romans 5:6

Chris and Phil were lifelong chums, friends since meeting at the playground wading pool when they were two years old. They had never even had a fight—until eighth grade, that is, when Andrew Patterson walked into their lives. Andrew’s family had moved to their town from out of state at the beginning of the school year. One Saturday when Chris told Phil he would meet him at the roller-skating rink the way he always did, he was shocked. Andrew had already asked Phil to meet him there. And Phil had said yes!

So will Chris still be friends with Phil, or will he yell, “You dirty rat!” and never talk to him again? The answer depends on whether or not Chris has learned how to love like Jesus loved—unconditionally—no strings attached.

Jesus knows what it means to be let down and rejected by friends. When Jesus was arrested, “all the disciples deserted him and fled” (Matthew 26:56). Even Peter, who insisted he would never turn his back on the Lord, triple-denied him while Jesus stood trial.

Jesus could have resented his friends for walking away when he needed them most. But he forgave them. When he rose from the dead, he appeared to these same disciples and trusted them to do his work throughout the world. He even spent extra time with Peter, strengthening him for the enormous task ahead of him (see John 21:15-19).

Jesus’ love also extended to the men who killed him. As he hung, nailed to the cross after a brutal beating by Roman soldiers, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive these people, because they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

And Jesus’ unconditional love even extends to us. Paul wrote that we were “helpless” (Romans 5:6), that we were “still sinners” (verse 8), and that we were “enemies” (verse 10) of the Lord because of our sin. Even at our worst, Jesus Christ loved us and gave his life for us so that we could be “made right in God’s sight” (verse 9). Because of his unconditional love, we can say with Paul, “Now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God” (verse 11).

Aren’t you glad you have a friend like Jesus? Let his unconditional love be your model in all your relationships with friends and family!

TALK: Under what conditions is it hard to love someone? How would Jesus respond in those situations?

PRAY: Lord, we’re so grateful to you for loving us unconditionally. Help us to show that kind of love to everyone around us.

ACT: Show some of Jesus’ no-strings-attached love today to someone who has wronged you.

 

 

Steer Clear!

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:14-15

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.   Proverbs 4:14-15, NIV

A WEALTHY MAN was once searching for a chauffeur to drive his limousine. Many people applied for the job, but the millionaire picked only a few to take a driving test.

The millionaire sat comfortably in the back of the limousine and told the first applicant to begin driving. As they drove along a narrow mountain road, the millionaire called to the driver, “See how close you can steer us to the edge of the cliff without falling off.” The driver, eager to show his skill, steered the expensive car within a few feet of the dangerous bluff. When they returned to the mansion, the millionaire said, “Thank you. We’ll let you know.”

The second driver then slipped behind the steering wheel. Again, the millionaire said, “See how close you can steer us to the edge of the cliff without falling off.” The driver, who was determined to outdo the first applicant, steered the long limousine within inches of the cliff! When they returned to the mansion, the millionaire told the second driver, “Thank you. We’ll let you know.”

Another driver then took the second driver’s place and was given the same instructions. But the third driver answered, “No way! I wouldn’t go near the edge of that cliff no matter how much money you paid me!” The millionaire smiled and answered, “You’re hired!”

The millionaire’s request was not intended to test the driver’s skill; it was intended to test each man’s wisdom. When he found a man who would steer clear of danger even if it meant losing a potential job, he knew he had found a safe driver.

God is looking for young men and women who will steer clear of danger, too, because he knows that making right choices begins with avoiding temptation. He doesn’t want his children to see how close they can get to sin without giving in. He wants you and me to look at temptation and say, “No way! I’m not getting near that!”

Many wrong choices can be avoided if we just steer clear of temptation. The Bible says: “Run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good” (1 Timothy 6:11). If you’re tempted to steal cookies, stay out of the kitchen! If your friends are trying to get you to try cigarettes, get some new friends! In other words, if you avoid the temptation before you’re tempted, you’re less likely to be tempted. And that will make it easier for you to make the right choice.

REFLECT: Do you usually steer close to temptation or do you tend to steer clear of temptation? Think of your three strongest temptations. How can you steer clear of them?

PRAY: “Lord, give me the desire to run from all that is evil and to follow all that is right and good.”