We have been taught for years. Jesus said "go the second mile" ... "turn the other cheek" ... be the "good Samaritan". What is the deal with all three of those stories Jesus told?
Each one was a picture of love in action. It didn't stay on the sidelines. It got involved. It spoke up. It acted love out. I cannot tell you how I feel and how excited I get when I see someone loving someone with true unconditional love. That is when you give and don't expect to get anything back. It is when you go beyond the norm or what others think is enough.
By the way, that is what Jesus did.
"If you want to impact someone's life, love them when they least expect it and least deserve it. When people blow it, you have an opportunity to impact their lives forever. You might think, they don't deserve it. That's the point, isn't it? Do you deserve the grace of God? ... God's love is proactive. He doesn't wait for us to get our act together. God always makes the first move. And we're called to follow suit." --- Mark Batterson, Wild Goose Chase, pages 104-105.
I am convinced that what will turn the church around, what will turn people back to God is not more Bible study or worship songs. What will turn people to God is love in action. What do you think?
Love until it hurts. That is Biblical. I have always hated the old phrase "give until it hurts." In fact I prefer "give until it feels good" (harder to get there). As a leader and as a Christian I have learned that really loving people costs you something because that is when we are giving part of ourselves away. It is time to love like that. Love until it hurts.
John 13:35 (nlt) --- Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
Matthew 5:41 (nlt) --- If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.
Luke 6:29 (nlt) --- If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.
1 John 4:11 (nlt) --- Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other.
It is time to love until it hurts. Literally, love more and expect less in return (get ready for more living truth like this).
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