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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
- How do the texts I John 4:8 and I John 4:16 speak to you?
- How does the revised reading of I Corinthians 13:1-8 speak to you?
- How do you define unconditional love?
- How does the biblical meaning of unconditional love compare to society’s definition of love?
- What are your thoughts regarding the concept that God and Love are one?
- How might this impact your perception of Who God is and what Love means?
- 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.
- Falling In Love with Jesus by Jonathan Butler – Falling In Love With Jesus – Jonathan Butler
- Jesus Loves Me – Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston: Jesus Loves Me
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today an empty vessel, longing to be filled with Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to love as You have loved me. Help me keep Your Word so that I may experience the love of the Father forevermore (John 14:23). Thank you for the gift of forgiveness, for even a sinner like me (Romans 5:8), and I pray that nothing – not death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation – separate me from your love (Romans 8:38). In Your most holy name Jesus, I pray, Amen.