“Confession and forgiveness are the concrete forms in which we sinful people love one another.” - Henri J.M. Nouwen
Grand, romantic gestures, gifts, and extravagance are often the visible markers of love the culture recognizes - particularly on Valentine’s Day. But Scripture tells us, greater love has no one than this than they lay their life down for their friend (John 15:13). But when Christ laid down His life for us, we were not friends of God. In fact, we were His enemies, hostile toward Him (Rom 5:10).
Maybe there will come a day when you will be called upon to literally lay down your life on behalf of someone you love. More likely, you will be called upon to lay down your life by dying to self, taking up your cross, and in humility thinking more highly of others as you confess your sins, and give and receive forgiveness (Gal 2:20, Col 3, Rom 12:3, Luke 9:23, James 5:16). There are few things more vulnerable. There are few things that display the kind of Christ-like love that is ours in and through His life and death.
Jesus, You have loved us with an everlasting, steadfast, immovable love. May our love not just live in our hearts, but move our actions as we confess and forgive. This is love too deep, and too difficult for us to accomplish in our own strength. Help us to love with the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
Love,
AB