Extreme Love

 Through Jesus, the Christ, we’ve been given freedom from the bondage of sin, freedom from past hurts, freedom to be joyful, freedom to move forward into all God has for us and freedom to be all he wants us to be. And we are even free to love God’s way; with patience, grace and mercy.

As you grow in the Lord and begin using the tools he has given to overcome your own way of living so you can begin to live his way, be careful not to get bogged down with what is called legalism. Legalism comes from the instituted rules of men’s minds, not God’s. It will stifle you and hold you back through condemnation. It causes self-righteousness, as well as prideful, judgmental and critical attitudes. It leads to bondage rather than freedom to experience all God has for you.

Obeying God is not about what is on the outside. Opinions of men are not what God is interested in. Regulations coming from men’s opinions and traditions are said by the Bible to make God’s word of no effect. In other words it hampers and nullifies His truth; His word.

Instead, he is interested in what is going on in your heart: Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. (1 Corinthians 4:5 NIV)

When Jesus was asked, which the greatest commandment in the Law was, he answered this way: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)

But Jesus had his own command for us: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34 NIV)

He didn’t state it just once, but more than once. He wanted to make sure his disciples got it. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. (John 15:12 NIV)

The love Jesus has for you is extreme and complete. He willing gave his life for you, so that you could live: Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13 NIV)

Are you growing in love towards him and towards others? Do you long to help others and not harm them? Are you slow to anger and quick to show mercy? Do you praise and worship God instead of running from him?

Paul summed up this ongoing transformation in the believer when he said: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2 NIV)

God works from the inside out, not from the outside in. Repenting means a change is taking place. We begin to take on the thoughts of our Heavenly Father and put our old thoughts to rest. As our thoughts change our heart changes, which is reflected in what we say and what we do.

You’ve been given a new coat called righteousness. And you are called by a new name; it is the child of God. And it’s all because of extreme love.