Let’s give the gift of unconditional love this Christmas.
Did you know going to church every week does not make someone a Christian? Being a Christian means we are seeking to follow Jesus Christ.
Jesus says, “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” (John 13:34-35, CEB)
Going one step further, Jesus says being a Christian is to love as He loves. We are able to love as Jesus loves through His life, death and resurrection. He defeated sin and makes us new.
Paul tells the Christians in Corinth, “So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
As Christians, we are called to love as Jesus loves. His love is a sacrificial love, a love that calls Him to serve others and not Himself. Jesus loves without needing anything in return. He doesn’t love to get something back.
Christmas creates a perfect example for us.
Why do you give someone a present? Your first response might be, “So they will be blessed.” Did you ever give a present and the person didn’t like it? How did that make you feel? Did it make you a little upset, a little frustrated? Why?
The answer might surprise you. We get upset when someone doesn’t share the same joy in a present we give them because we often don’t give presents only to bless the other person. We often give presents so that when they are happy with the present, we would be happy too.
Most of the time that all works out, and it does feel good. So we miss this small little detail. We often love people to be loved in return.
When we love with conditions, expecting something in return, we often find ourselves becoming upset, angry and frustrated with the very people we are seeking to love.
This holiday season, let us all practice loving unconditionally, to love the way Jesus loves us.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt
P.S. Beginning on Thursday, Dec. 12th thru Monday, Dec. 16th, you have the opportunity to download a free Kindle version of What Can Be: 21 Days of Encouragement. If you like it, go ahead and consider purchasing some of the paperbacks. They would make great Christmas gifts!