When we look at the love of Christ, we make a wonderful discovery. Love is more a decision than an emotion. You don't feel goose bumps and think sweet sentiments when you see your employee? Neither did Christ! In fact, there were times he felt everything but goose bumps. There was at least one time when he asked, "How long must I put up with you? (Mark 9:19).
To love as Christ loved is not a matter of emotion but a matter of resolution to do whatever is in the best interest of the person.
This may mean applauding good behavior. Jesus applauded the faith of the centurion and the sacrifice of the woman with the alabaster bottle (Matt 8:5-10; 26:6-13). Christlike love applauds good behavior.
At the same time, Christlike love refuses to endorse misbehavior. Jesus loved the woman who was caught in adultery, but he didn't dismiss her sin (John 8:2-11). Jesus loved his apostles, but he wasn't silent when they were faithless (Matt 8:23-26). Jesus loved the people in the temple, but he didn't sit still when they were hypocritical (John 2:14016). Love does whatever is in the best interest of a person.
The teenager says to his parents, "If you loved me, you'd let me come in as late as I want". That's a lie. Love does whatever is in the best interest of a person. Love sets curfews.
The cheating husband says to his wife, "If you loved me, you'd forget what has happened and let me come home". That may not be true. Love does what is in the best interest of a person. Love sets boundaries and seeks counsel.
The needy person says, "If the church loved me, it would pay all my bills." That may not be true. It might be more loving to provide a job for that person rather than give money to him.
The Love of Christ is no sweet sentiment but rather a heartfelt resolve to do what is in the best interest of another person. Sometimes that means cleansing a temple. Other times that means dying on a cross.
By: Max Lucado
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