The Whole Christmas StorySample

Day 22 | Totally Devoted

As you go about life on your frontline, you’ll be surrounded by those who believe they should honor themselves above others, who are unmoved by the needy, who pick fights and use people to improve their social standing, and who are slowly dissolving in bitterness like a baby tooth in a glass of coke because they can’t let go of a grudge. You will know that there are people for whom "love" means a feeling which comes and goes.

The life, death, and resurrection of Christ have shown us a radically new way to love. To love like Jesus did mean putting others first in a myriad of practical and costly ways. It means an extra place at your Christmas table for the rude old guy who lives alone two doors down. It means squashing the urge to address the colleague who’s just taken credit for your work with a public put-down instead of a private meeting. It means refusing to get drawn into the gossip at the school gate and drawing close to your depressed friend at the risk of being dragged down yourself

We have been sincerely loved, so we’ve got this. Let’s do it.

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, for showing me the true meaning of love. Thank you for every moment you love me extravagantly and without condition. I’m still learning and I still find it hard to love as you do. Give me your love for others.