[Follow] Be LovingSample

Be Loving

We live in a “me first” society. Our culture tells us that what matters most is my happiness and my dreams. We require our rights, our needs, and our wants first…then perhaps we can think about other people.

The idea of loving others as Jesus loved us is revolutionary. The Apostle Paul said to count others more significant than ourselves and to look out for their interests. How counter-cultural is that! Paul tells us to do something that sounds so much like what Jesus did for us.  Jesus put our needs before His own. He said, “I did not come to be served but to serve and give my life as a ransom for many.” He also said that people would know we are His followers when we love others like that. 

I wonder if sometimes the reason we’re unhappy and discontent is because we have put ourselves at the center of our lives. When we do that, we can never experience the full, abundant life that Jesus wants to give us. The life He wants us to have is so much bigger than ourselves. 

Helping us discern what is right and wrong is something God helps us to do as we follow Jesus. But, an even more important question He would have us ask ourselves is this, “What is loving?” Think how asking this simple question as we follow Jesus could change our world…at least the part where we live! When we move beyond transactional relationships to love others the way Jesus loved us by serving others, sacrificing for the sake of others, and considering the needs of others, it is contagious.

Living a life focused on what is right and wrong is not enough. We are called to love one another as Jesus has loved us. It is also not enough to live a life focused on our dreams. One of the problems with your dreams is that they are most often all about you. Simply pursuing a dream will not give you the life you want. Instead, Jesus says, “Come follow Me and I’ll give you something you could have never dreamed!” 

Father, today I choose to love others as You have loved me. That is so contrary to what my selfish desires and ambitions are telling me, so I need Your help. Thank You for the amazing love You demonstrated for me when I deserved it the least. In Jesus name, Amen.

We hope you enjoyed today’s encouraging word. We welcome you to watch the full-length message from River Pointe Church: Click Here