How Will You Be Known

Christian love must always be interpreted through the cross. The cross teaches that love is costly. Forgiveness is costly. Reconciliation is costly. Service is costly. Yet, the cross also teaches that love is victorious. Through his sacrifice, Christ defeated sin and opened the way to redemption. The apostle Paul reminds believers that god demonstrated his love while we were still sinners. That truth is essential. Christ did not wait until humanity deserved grace. He loved first. Therefore, believers are called to extend grace even when it is undeserved. Every congregation contains wounded relationships. Families experience conflict. Friend ships fracture. Churches encounter disagreements. The cross reminds us that reconciliation begins not with what others deserve but with what Christ has already done. [00:28:33] (73 seconds)  #GraceFirstLove

While Greek possesses several words associated with love, agape carries a distinctive meaning. It describes self giving, sacrificial concern for another person. It is not merely affection. It is not simply friendship. It is a commitment to seek another person's good regardless of personal cost. Agape is fundamentally theological. It originates in the character of god. Scripture teaches that god is love. Therefore, Christian love is not primarily rooted in human sentiment. It is rooted in divine action. We love because god first loved us. [00:24:45] (50 seconds)  #AgapeIsGodsLove

In the gospel of John, Jesus declares, I give you a new commandment. The Greek word translated new is kainos. Kainos does not simply mean new in time. It means new in quality, fresh in significance, transformed in character. Love was not absent from the Old Testament. You hear many people say the Old Testament was a God of vengeance, a God of anger, but love was present there as well. Israel was commanded to love God and even love their neighbor. What is new is the standard. [00:22:15] (42 seconds)  #KainosLoveNewStandard

It is interesting to note here that everyone present in that upper room, their feet were washed, including Judas who would betray him, including Peter who would deny him. They were all washed. Even more remarkable, again, Jesus washed Judas' feet. He knew Judas would betray him. He knew what was in Judas' heart, yet he still served him. This scene challenges our understanding of love. Most of us can love those who love us. Jesus calls us to love even those who disappoint us. The towel and basin reveal that Christian greatness is expressed through humble service. In god's kingdom, love is not merely spoken. It is demonstrated. [00:27:07] (57 seconds)  #HumbleServiceLikeJesus