Most Tender-Hearted Lord, I have come to realize that love does not die … people do. As a human You died on a cross but Your love for Your creation never ended. You left a Comforter to watch over me as You took Your rightful place at the right hand of the Father. Since the beginning You have shown a tender heart for Your people as You gave them access to the Garden of Eden to share in an unspoiled life that You had planned for them. When Adam and Eve betrayed Your trust, in compassion and love, they were given another chance. And when their descendants, throughout the time of the Old Testament, showed they could not attain the level of purity required to overcome the penalties of their sins, once again You acted in love offering Yourself as the sacrifice to atone for the sins of all men. Truly, no greater love can a man show than to lay down his life for another.
Your love lives on through patience, kindness, the absence of envy, showing no pride, not being rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and keeping no record of wrongs done. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. Like You, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails … and it remains with us at all times. In the same way that musical instruments in an orchestra perform in harmony so must love speak in words that are uplifting and meaningful. Many voices speak in the world, but only true love can draw men to You. The ability to speak and act in love and compassion comes from a deep and abiding relationship with You. Your Word tells me that You are love. To act in love, I must act the way You would and not as the world instructs me to do.
You taught Your Apostles (in particular Peter) at the last supper a fascinating principle about love. You spoke to Peter saying, “Simon, do you truly love Me above all others?” Simon replied, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Jesus replied, “Feed my lambs.” Once again Jesus asked, “Simon, do you love Me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” Jesus replied, “Take care of My sheep.” A third time Jesus asked, “Simon do you love me?” Peter, being hurt, said, “Lord You know all things … You know I love You.” Jesus said once again, “Feed My sheep.” What this scripture tells me is that it is easy to say “I love you”, but the real test comes in serving and ministering to that person. In giving my life to You, I have accepted a role of servant … desiring to serve rather than be served. Teach me to love others the way that You have loved me … sacrificially. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
I John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God … because God is love.”