Fall in Love With Christ Again
"'Equally the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my dear.'" John 15:9 (NIV)
A friend of mine recommended a TV program she was certain I'd similar. It didn't seem interesting to me, but on her recommendation, I watched the first episode. As suspected, I didn't similar it. So I passed on watching information technology again.
But she insisted, "Delight give it some other take a chance. I'thou sure you'll love it."
Because I trusted my friend, I watched the next episode. That time something caught my interest. And so I watched another episode, and I started to relish the characters. They were quirky and intriguing. The more I watched the bear witness, the more than I loved it. My friend was right!
I'd judged that show based on my superficial observations, only once I actually got to know the story, I was hooked.
Isn't this the example with many things?
We hands make judgment calls, certain nosotros won't like something — whether it'due south music, a book, food or people. And then, information technology becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy because nosotros never really go to know what we approximate at the showtime.
Jesus can be like this, also. Nosotros've just finished a season of celebrating Jesus' birth, and for some, seeing Jesus as a infant in a manger is equally shut every bit they want to go. Perhaps the grown-up Jesus seems a bit intense or demanding or bigoted. So it's easier to stay at a distance from Him.
But if nosotros keep Jesus at arm's length, we'll never get to know Him. And if we don't get to know Him, nosotros won't honey Him.
If we want to movement faith from our heads to our hearts, we must autumn in dear with Jesus.
To fall in love with Jesus, nosotros must know Him. Not superficially, but deeply. That kind of noesis takes time and persistence, just similar any practiced relationship. Jesus invites united states of america to abide in His honey — rest, stay, tarry — not rush past it. In John 15:9, He said, "'As the Father has loved me, so take I loved y'all. Now remain in my dearest.'"
Many of us equate loving Jesus with obedience. Obedience is surely part of showing nosotros love Him; even Jesus said that. Simply the honey Jesus wants is our affections, our emotions, the longing of our hearts. How do we get there?
For years, my faith was academic. I knew who Jesus was, believed He was the Son of God who died for my sins and chose to follow Him. I studied the Bible and did my best to brand good choices. Merely there was always a formality near my faith.
Everything changed when I started knowing Jesus equally a real person, not just someone to be studied. When I read about Jesus standing by a shamed woman, daring the cocky-righteous to convict her, I imagined Him doing that for me and loved Him.
When Jesus stood at a well, talking to a woman anybody shunned, I pictured Him talking to me despite the potential rumors and loved Him.
When Jesus stopped and healed a woman who in religion touched His cloak and was healed, I knew He'd stop for me, and I loved Him for that.
When Jesus endured false accusations, was betrayed by His friends, rejected by His own, was beaten, crucified and even experienced His Father'southward face turned away so I could be free from the expletive of sin, I loved Him more.
I could proceed and on. In that location are so many reasons to dear Jesus, but here is a truth to encompass: Jesus is real, and He loves u.s.. And for us to experience that love and offer it back, we demand to know Him. Actually know Him.
As we stand up at the door of a new year's day, will y'all bring together me in seeking to know Jesus more than?
Lord, cheers for loving me showtime. Thank you for sending Your Son then I could know Y'all as more than than a afar God, just someone I can love like a friend. Help me know You more and love You more than. In Jesus' Proper noun, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Ephesians 3:17b-19, "And I pray that you, existence rooted and established in love, may accept ability, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and loftier and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may exist filled to the measure out of all the fullness of God." (NIV)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Sometimes information technology's difficult to know how to love and live authentically for Christ. Wendy Blight'due south newest book, I Am Loved: Walking in the Fullness of God's Beloved, releases today! It tin can assistance you lot place the places in your life that ache for transformation as you experience God's love in a real, personal way. It's also our next Online Bible Written report! To find out more or join our upcoming study of I Am Loved, click hither.
CONNECT:
Looking to find true soul rest in the arms of Jesus, even in the midst of our busy lives? Then you'll enjoy reading the first chapter of Glynnis Whitwer's newest volume, Doing Busy Amend, hither.
Reflect AND Respond:
What'due south one thing Jesus has done for yous that inspires you to love Him?
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