We Must love like Jesus

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." Philippians 2:5-8 NKJV

As I finished up the last half mile of my run yesterday morning, I held back tears as I listened to the words sung by Casting Crowns coming through my earbuds... Jesus, friend of sinners, we have strayed so far away. We cut down people in Your name, but the sword was never ours to swing. Jesus, friend of sinners, the truth's become so hard to see. The world is on their way to You, but they're trippin' over me. Always lookin' around, but never lookin' up, I'm so double minded. A plank eyed saint with dirty hands and a heart divided. Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners. Open our eyes to the world at the end of our pointing fingers. Let our hearts be led by mercy. Help us reach with open hearts and open doors. Oh, Jesus, friend of sinners, Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. “Oh Jesus,” I silently prayed upon hearing the lyrics that cut to my heart. “Let this be the cry of every Christian in the coming days, weeks and years. Help us keep the spirit of Christmas alive at all times by having hearts led by mercy, hearts that break for what breaks Yours. 

And you know, when it comes to keeping the spirit of Christmas all year, you and I would do well to follow the example of Jesus who, the Bible tells us, came to "seek and to save that which was lost." Do you get that? Jesus loved sinners (that's you and me) so much that He willingly left his throne to humble Himself "taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men," to die on a cross for our sins. Can you think of a love greater than that? This is the kind of love that changes hearts and transforms lives and is the same love that Jesus said we must extend to others saying, "as I have loved you, so you must love one another." 

So let us remember that Jesus was a friend of sinners not because he approved sin, ignored sin, engaged in sin, or affirmed sinful practices. Jesus was a friend of sinners because He came to love them and lead them to repentance… and we must do the same. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You would send your one and only Son to be born of a virgin, to walk among us, and to ultimately die for us that we might be justified, made righteous, and receive eternal life. There is no greater love that could ever be displayed. Help us to love others in the same way Father that we might be the hands and feet of Jesus and compel the lost to be reconciled to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!