Love does not boast, it is not proud (1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV). Jesus has no room for pecking orders. His solution to man-made caste systems? A change of direction. In a world of upward mobility, choose downward servility. “Regard one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3 NASB). Jesus flip-flopped the pecking order.

Would you do what Jesus did? He swapped a spotless castle for a grimy stable. He exchanged the worship of angels for the company of killers. If you knew that only a few could care that you came, would you still come? If you knew that those you loved would laugh in your face, would you still care? The palm that held the universe took the nail of a soldier. Why? Because that’s what love does! He loves you that much! Drink deeply of God’s love for you—and ask him to fill your heart with a love worth giving!

By Max Lucado
Read more A Love Worth Giving
Used by permission

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:  https://maxlucado.com/about/

FURTHER READING

The Upside Down Life

Living in God’s Upside Down Kingdom

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

The post No Pecking Order with Jesus appeared first on Thoughts About God.

God Makes Me a Better Lover!

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”    – I Cor. 13:4-7

When I was single, a friend told me she loved me. It was an awkward moment. I did not know what to say because I did not love her in the same way. She was a valued friend but I was not “in love” with her. I will never forget her response. She said, “I love you, it’s a gift. I expect nothing from you.” The profound nature of that statement set me free in a lasting relationship.

This type of love is hard to find, yet unforgettable when you experience it! It is a gift freely given that provides deep security. This love is characterized by a willingness to GIVE unselfishly, with no expectations. It flows from the character of the giver. Many of us have experienced love that has strings or conditions attached. It might sounds like, “I will love you if you are strong or successful or beautiful.” This type of love creates fear and insecurity.

God is the ultimate source of love because, “God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8). It is his nature. He is complete and perfect in his love. Experiencing his love has transformed my life and all my relationships. He has become my source of love. Since his love has no limits, he gives me the ability to love beyond my own resources. His love fills me so I can give rather than expect or demand love from those around me. God’s definitive declaration and proof of the extent of his love was demonstrated the day Jesus died on a cross for me.  I truly love because he first loved me.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for your gift of love. In the moments that I doubt your love, I consider the cross and your willingness to let Jesus die for me, for my sin and guilt. Thank you that your love is not based on my performance but on your unchanging nature.  Amen

Go Deeper: Read the verse at the top of the page, replace the word love with “God.”(i.e., God is patient… God is kind…), then read it again replacing the word love with your name.  How does that make you feel about God? How does it make you feel about yourself?

by Mike Woodard
used by permission

FURTHER READING

No Going Back

What’s Love Got To Do With It?

Falling in Love with Jesus 

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The post God Makes Me a Better Lover! appeared first on Thoughts About God.