They deserted Him when He needed them the most. One betrayed Him with a kiss. Another denied three times that he even knew Him.
(And these were His friends.)
But, He loved them to the end. (John 13:1b, NIV)
What kind of love is this?
They arrested Him on trumped up charges. Mocked and mistreated Him. Sentenced Him to an excruciating death.
He prayed for them.
(And these were His enemies.)
“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34a, NIV)
What kind of love is this?
I’m not that different from either one. I fail Him when I bow my head in slumber instead of prayer. I deny Him when I let fear of what others might think silence my voice. I mock Him when I pay mere lip service to His commands. I crucify Him all over again when I yield to the flesh instead of to the Spirit.
(And I claim to be His follower.)
Yet, He assures me that …where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. (Romans 5:20b, NASB)
What kind of love is this?
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NLT)
Amazing love!
How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
*Lyrics are from “And Can It Be, That I Should Gain?” by Charles Wesley, published in 1738.
So good friend! Great thoughts heading into this Easter weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Shelley, this is such a wonderful reminder of his great love and sacrifice. What an incredibly loving Savior! Thank you for the blessing of your writing gift to emphasize his grace and my need.
Friends Gina and Kristen, thank you both for your sweet comments! I pray you have a blessed Easter celebrating this amazing “grace in which we stand!”
Amazing Love.. may HIS Love NEVER stop amazing us!
Amen and Happy Easter Pam!