"After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself." (1 Samuel 18:1, NIV) The crown prince, Jonathan, became the close friend and ally of David, the man whom God had chosen to take the throne instead of him! That kind of thing was unheard of in a time when kings even killed off their own family members to eliminate competition. In the story, Jonathan defends David, warns him of his father's murderous rage, and respects God's call to the very end of his life. Where we would expect to find rivalry and defensiveness, we find two men who love each other deeply. Both of their lives were enriched by their relationship.
Some think that love is a sign of weakness. Such persons live defensively, are quick to take offense, are always protecting their dignity and insisting that others give them what they believe they are entitled to receive. If another steps in front of them in a line, agitation sets in. If someone does not listen to them, they are angry. When overlooked for a promotion or recognition they feel they deserve, they sulk and even sabotage the one who was rewarded. But love is actually the expression of amazing strength of character. Those who live in love choose to live at peace, giving respect without the need to have it returned. Instead of seeing others as competitors or life as a contest, each day brings them opportunities to care for others- good, bad, noble, base, young, old, powerful, weak - it just doesn't matter!
Jesus is the model of this kind of life. He boldly loved others. In a time when children were treated much differently than we treat them today, He allowed them to climb onto his lap and 'blessed' them. That word, by the way, does not just mean he pronounced a prayer over them. It can mean He made them laugh by raising their spirits! He did not consider Himself too good to sit down to eat with those who lives were moral wrecks. For that He earned the scorn of the religious elite who thought they were insulting Him when they called Him "friend of sinners." He took their words as commendation that He was truly doing God's work! On the night when His own heart was broken as He faced the Cross, He did not insist on being comforted. Instead, He gathered His friends at Passover dinner and washed their feet! "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." (John 13:15, NIV) And, then He chose to die for the sins of the world - the Sinless One taking on the sins of the world - and making us right with our Father. "Greater love has no man than this, that he should lay down his life for his friends!"
Do you love well? Those who live in love enrich others and they are made rich in return! Love is a choice to become aware of others, to put their needs before our own, and to appropriately express concern. A person who loves takes himself out of the center of things and gives his attention to those around him. Here's a word from the Word. It is familiar, but read it with thought, prayerfully asking the Lord of Love to give you understanding of what it means.
"We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love.
We love each other because he loved us first." (1 John 4:16-19, NLT)
Go, love your world! When you do, you will have a great week, for you will be pleasing your Heavenly Father and you will experience the joy of His Presence.
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