A Forever Relationship

I chose to fast from some of my favorite carbs for Lent. Sometimes, I intensely crave them, and I’m tempted to break my fast. Then I remind myself of Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice in love for me and I’m encouraged to stick with it. In addition to eating less carbs, I was convicted by the Holy Spirit to be more obedient to Jesus’s command to love others, as He loves me. Truth be told, I’m not always obedient to His command to love everyone. Jesus blesses me with His sacrificial, unconditional love, even though I am unworthy and at times unlovable. And He commands me, as His disciple, to show the same kind of love to everyone, even those who are not easy to love. Ouch!! Loving everyone is not an option if I want to be known as a disciple of Jesus. I am to give to others, the same love, mercy, and grace, that I receive from God. Living out this command is a challenge. However, it can be achieved with the help of the Holy Spirit. I will strive to be more obedient to God’s command to love others by praying for the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to help me show unconditional love, mercy, and extra grace to everyone.