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Friday, May 14, 2010

walk in love...


"And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself
for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a
sweet-smelling aroma." (Ephesians 5:2)

To truly walk in love, we have to learn how to love others as Christ does. Not an easy task. But a doable one nonetheless.We must learn to love with an unconditional and all encompassing love.

No strings attached.
No holds barred.
Just pure unadulterated love.

Dependent upon nothing except the amazing ability through Him, to tap into God's power and let His love shine through us.

To look beyond the surface.
See as He sees.
Feel as He feels.
Esteem others higher and just love.

Ultimately, Christlike love requires effort on our part. We must work at denying self. We can't love based on merit. We can't love based on our measure of worthiness. We must love regardless. We love instead of... We love in spite of.... We love anyway. It's not about us. It's all about Jesus.

The only way we can begin to acquire the kind of love that Christ demonstrates is to daily take up the cross - and follow HARD after Him.
".... let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23)
To love others like Him? It is costly. It may cost us our pride - our heart - our selves. But  we can learn to reach way down into the depths of our being, and pull out the love that He put there. And lovingly, purposefully and generously bestow that love on others, we will be a sweet smelling aroma to the Father.

Oh, to be a pleasing fragrance to the nostrils of God. That He might savor the sweet scent of obedience from His children. The sweet scent of us conforming to His image.

To walk in love.
No strings attached.
Just the amazing love of Christ.

It's all about Him.

In His captivating love,
Beth


10 comments:

Dontmissyoursunsetlady said...

Ouch........ I say ouch, because while it is true, and lovely, no pun intended, your post is extremly convicting. I am struggling to love someone at church right now.

Unknown said...

Loving others has been on my heart a lot lately. God is speaking to me in stereo!

I love these lines, "No strings attached. No holds barred. Just pure unadulterated love."

Beautifully written!

Angel said...

This has so been on my heart!! Unconditional love is so hard to come by these days!! I pray that I always love that way and that Jesus shows me when I don't. Thank you for another beautiful post. You always seem to know what is on my heart. Love you my friend!!

Yolanda said...

Once again, God has so touched upon our hearts concerning an issue that He is placing upon our hearts. While it is a choice to love, as a Follower of Jesus Christ, I really don't see it as an option, but more of a command. What Jesus does for us, we should be doing for others...LOVING!

Hugs-

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

How did I need this! I'm having a very hard time loving my immediate family today, in particular my husband. I love him to the ends of the earth, but some days (especially when we're exhausted and just barely treading water with the many details of our crazy life), it's easy to blame him for my "lack and seemingly little." Constantly, I am reminded that love is a choice, based on the Holy Spirit's indwelling within. I need some time with Jesus today;haven't had it yet. Going to change that.

Over the past two weeks, I've been meditation on 2 Cor. 5&6... about Paul's admonishment to "no longer regard anyone from a worldly point of view." Because of Christ's love for me, I must "regard" humanity via his cross and love. If we could harness that truth, well, th world would change!

peace~elaine

Nana Jul said...

Lavish, extravagant, elaborate Love. Lavish our love on others as He does with us! If we "put on Love" like clothing....wear it like a robe...we will shine like the stars in the universe...shining His Love! A Fragrant aroma we will be!
So funny we are all on the same page right now! His Spirit is MOVING!!
Love,
Julie

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

God has really been showing me lately how we need to stop judging & just LOVE people to Jesus!!!
Wylie

BECKY said...

This is so beautiful Beth. Oh that we all are a pleasing aroma to Him!! You sure are gal!

It is a lot easier to love the way we should when we realize our wretched state before we knew Christ!

You spread His light and love around blogland!! What a blessing you are!

Have a joyful Sunday!
HUGS,
Becky

sanjeet said...

I love these lines, "No strings attached. No holds barred. Just pure unadulterated love."
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kanishk said...

me too love these lines, "No strings attached. No holds barred. Just pure unadulterated love."
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