Great…

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love for us, made us alive together with Christ even when we were dead in trespasses – it is by grace you have been saved… ~ Ephesians 2:4-5

In 1984, Whitney Houston recorded a popular song that became a huge success in her music career. Entitled Greatest Love of All, the song extols the importance of self-worth – proclaiming that “learning to love yourself … is the greatest love of all.” And while there can be merit in affirming ourselves as humans because we are made in the image of God, I do not believe that self-love is the greatest love of all.

There is something far more profound that Jesus taught; and it should impact our thinking in this regard. He said, “Greater love has no man than this – that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) Indeed, before Jesus even made this statement, we read these words:

John 15:9-12 (ESV)

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Jesus asserted there is no greater love than self-sacrifice! And this is the indescribable depth of love that He demonstrated to us … a love of far greater worth than our minds can conceive! Paul, inspired by the greatest love of all, reflects on the words of Jesus:

Romans 5:6-11 (NIV)

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Think about what John wrote – his words of great encouragement through the message of the cross:

1 John 4:9-11 (NIV)

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

My friends, the greatest love of all will not be found inwardly; rather, learning the love of God through His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the greatest pursuit you or I could ever embark upon. The Scriptures often declare the great love of God for those who fear Him – reminding us that His great love is higher than the heavens, and that His faithfulness reaches to the skies and endures forever. (Psalm 57:10) Yes, I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. (Psalm 89:1) This I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness! (Lamentations 3:21-23)

Have a Blessed Day!