Take a step back.
Farther.
Farther, still.
Can you see it—the parade of your life? If not, take another step back.
See it—the stages of your life?
· Childhood
· Teen years
· Early adulthood
· College
· Career
· Dating
· Marriage
· Parenthood
· Grandparenting
· Mature years
As you recall the stages of your life, ask yourself: Who benefited from my life?
· Family?
· Church?
· Friends?
· Coworkers?
· Yourself?
Overall, did you set your time, your agenda, your life aside for those closest to you? Did you love them voluntarily, without reservation and conditions—not begrudgingly?
Were you intentional about serving them?
Jesus gave us the greatest example of laying down his life for others. He loved us intensely and unconditionally—even to death.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
While most of us won’t need to put our literal life on the line for others, we can pour unconditional love on them—love with no end.
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other (1 John 4:7-11).
Oh, the depths of such love! It is pure just as Jesus was pure. It is sacrificial just as Jesus sacrificed. It is in the best interest of others—just as Jesus had our best interest at heart.
No greater love.
Daphne Tarango is a freelance writer and speaker who comforts others with the comfort she herself has received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). She lives in the Southeastern U.S., where she is a leader in a Bible-based recovery program. Contact Daphne at daphne@daphnewrites.com.
February’s Rooted in Christ theme is Love
Reading God’s Story Schedule today, 2/05/13: Exodus 5 – 9
Join hosts Page and Cindy on Facebook where we are discussing today’s reading. Everyone is invited to join by going to https://www.facebook.com/groups/316067615171001/ and clicking the ‘Join Group’ button. As of 1/01/13 we have 470 women reading and discussing Scripture together! Join us and invite your friends too!
About Daphne Tarango
Daphne Tarango is a freelance writer who comforts others with the comfort she has received from God. Daphne is a recovery speaker and writers’ group president. She has published numerous inspirational articles in print and online magazines. She has three stories in the inspirational collection, Women of the Secret Place, published by Ambassador International. Daphne is married to Luis and in the past year, has resigned from corporate life to take a position as a stay-at-home mom of three adopted children. To connect with Daphne, visit her blog: http://DaphneWrites.com.
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