During this Advent season, we have explored in greater detail some beautiful Gifts that have been deposited within us because of the incarnation, death, and resurrection of the Christ. We have Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love when we connect to Christ. According to Scripture, the greatest Gift given to humanity is God’s LOVE.
Salvation is a Gift that comes by the grace of God, but we must believe in Christ’s abundant and perfect Love to rescue us (Eph 2:8). God is Love and his Love is central to the work of salvation—the Good News or Gospel. Believers are those who have received Love’s rescue of eternal life. Christ delivered us from sin and death and now we live by faith in that pure Love to help us become like Jesus.
Becoming can be tough. The challenges before us are always an attack on faith and our choice to Love God through “the difficulties,” as well as Love those who are “the difficult.” But, fear not, because God makes his Love possible. Our part is to make the choice. It is God’s Love that energizes our faith and gives us direction and patient endurance for living in the likeness of Jesus.
In the New Testament, God’s Love in Greek is agapao: unconditional and preferential Love that is activated by a choice of the will. It is not based on natural emotion or given to the deserving. We are to be filled with agape for everyone; it is the mark of the Spirit on the physical temple of genuine believers. Agape is Love that seeks the good and well-being of others; a Love we have chosen to receive and share. Jesus is our example of agape and everyone born of God allows his Love to fill and flow by FAITH.
We are rapidly heading toward the celebration of Christmas and Hanukah. Christ is the Light of God’s Love who shines the Truth of God in the darkness of the world and reveals the way to his heart and presence. Let God’s agape for you fill and overwhelm you with his goodness and grace. Receive the Spirit of Christ as you think about Christmas and choose to walk in God’s Love each day. You will be making a journey of Hope, Peace, and Joy in the Love of God for YOU!
1 John 3:16-18 NLT 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the Gift of Love to fill our hearts. We confess our barrenness and brokenness to reveal agape apart from you. Our hearts are open to the ways you desire to rescue us and we rejoice in the fulness of your Loving Presence. May you be glorified in our understanding and in our obedience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.