8 Feb 2013 by Mindy Oon CM –
As Valentine’s Day approaches, many couples will be thinking up ways to show their appreciation and love to their other half. A famous quotes says “Love makes the world go round”. Hollywood chick flicks have happy couples living their happily ever after. But here are five ways Jesus showed His unconditional, self-sacrificing love for us.
Jesus showed his love by being compassionate. He responded to the needs of those who were suffering, and He did this even on the Sabbath, and was criticized for this. He responded to those who would otherwise have been stoned to death, and we can see His compassion in the parable of the Good Samaritan. Jesus showed that He cared for those who needed help. Busy schedules and social stigma did not stop Him from being compassionate.
Jesus showed His love by attentive listening. These days we hear of many couples who complain that their spouse do not pay attention to them. During His ministry on earth Jesus was extraordinarily attentive and responded in depth to what others had spoken. He offered hope and brought wholeness to those who cried out to him in need, and He also listened carefully to His enemies, responding thoughtfully, and with much wisdom.
Thirdly, He showed love by confrontation. Jesus practiced nonviolent resistance to evil, and His example has inspired many who have changed the course of history. For example, the African American Christians leaders of the civil rights movement. While Jesus said that those who live by the sword would die by the sword when He asked Peter to put down his sword, He did not hesitate to confront spiritual hypocrites and the moneychangers who had set up shop in the Temple. He challenged people to change their ways, and confronted destructive attitudes and behaviors.
Jesus also showed love by through the way of loyalty. He was loyal to Peter even after Pter denied and rejected him three times. He demonstrated this also when He was loyal to the will of God when before his death he prayed “Lord, let this cup pass from my lips; nevertheless, not as I would but as you will. At times we may be unfaithful, but He shows His love to us by always being faithful and never leaving us, though we disappoint Him time and again.
Finally, he shows us his love through the way of forgiveness. It was Jesus who brought forgiveness into the world. Many times we want to pay back those who have wronged us by doing something that would hurt them, and we wish terrible things upon those who have hurt us. However, in the Lord’s prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” He taught us not to judge others as we have all fallen short of the glory of God. And as he died on the cross, His last words were “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
As Christians, we too should learn to love, and demonstrate love as Jesus did. By doing so, we will be able to draw people to Christ!
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you. Amen.
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