JESUS, GOD’S SON: FALLING IN LOVE WITH JESUS

One of my favorite songs is Falling in Love with Jesus by Jonathan Butler. And perhaps it’s because I am a  romantic at heart. I recall “falling in love” as early as third grade. I was “in love” with Clifford Johnson.  This straight-A student would have no notes because I was daydreaming about Cliff. My homework was  covered in hearts, with Cliff and Davenia inscribed inside them. I sang those silly little jingles like, “Cliff  and Davenia sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love. Then comes marriage. Next thing you know,  they’re pushing a baby carriage.” I followed Cliff around the playground. I carried his lunch tray. I gave  him my Twinkies and my Nutter Butter Cookies (way before peanut allergies, that is). I was “in love.”  That is before he tied my ponytails together around the monkey bar and left me stranded on the  playground until Ms. Ruby, my teacher, rescued me. Really, we had no clue about love, and sadly many  of us today are still clueless.  

Scripture

John 15:9 – “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in my love.”

Lessons Learned

See, if third-grade crushes were the only examples of love we had, we’d be lost. That’s why the Bible  gives us a clear example of what it means to “be in love.” God the Father sent us God the Son to  demonstrate just what love looks like. Jesus loved us so much, He gave up heaven, came here to this  cruddy earth, endured scorn, rebuke, hostility, temptation, shame, and our sin; experienced separation  from His Father; died a criminal’s death on a cross, and was denied the dignity of a decent burial. And  you know what? He did all of this for me! Jesus loved me so much that He sacrificed everything so I  could have the opportunity to spend eternity in Heaven with Him! Now that’s love! Because Jesus loved  me so much, He was willing to die for me! How many “Cliffords” out there are willing to give up  everything and die for you? Go ahead. I’m waiting. Can’t think of any, can you? Nope. Because this kind  of all-consuming love can only come from the One Who is Love! 

Lessons Live

When I start to comprehend Jesus’ love for me, I get giddy. Just like with Clifford, I want to please Him. I  want to “meditate” on His goodness day and night. I smile for no reason, or none that’s obvious to  others. I have a pep in my step and a gleam in my eye. I’m so filled up with the love of Jesus. I desire to  be just like Him. I begin to love like Him, serve like Him, He and I become one. So go ahead. Fall in love  with Jesus. It’ll be the best love affair ever imagined!

Reflections

  1. How do the texts I John 4:8 and I John 4:16 speak to you? 
  2. How does the revised reading of I Corinthians 13:1-8 speak to you?
  3. How do you define unconditional love?
  4. How does the biblical meaning of unconditional love compare to society’s definition of love?
  5. What are your thoughts regarding the concept that God and Love are one?
  6. How might this  impact your perception of Who God is and what Love means?
  7. What are your personal LIFE Lessons?
    • Liberation: What new insights have you gained that have freed you from past thoughts  or practices
    • Inspiration: In what ways have you been spiritually, emotionally or mentally motivated  to live for Christ
    • Fortification: What additional scriptural texts, passages or stories can reinforce and  strengthen you against the attacks of the enemy?
    • Edification: How might you share your story to edify others and bring glory to God?

Playlist

As you process, digest, and apply what’s been shared, here are a couple of songs from my playlist that  remind me of Who God Is. Listen, Let the music infiltrate your soul. Read the lyrics and let the words  encourage you. And I pray that you’ll be blessed as I was. 

Prayer

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