”If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26-27
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matt. 10:37
Dear Lord Jesus, the claim you make on our affections is both shocking and inviting. Shocking, because of the stark contrast presented—inviting, because you are so jealous for our love. Grant us grace to understand.
We know you’re not calling us to hate anyone; for the world will know that we are your disciples by the way we love one another, in response to your love for us (John 13:34-35). You even call us to love our enemies and to do good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27-36).
So, Lord Jesus, make your love for us astonishing and compelling (2 Cor. 5:14-15; Phil 3:18-19). This is the only way forward—this is the only way we can possibly love you, as you deserve to be loved.
And when we love you, as you deserve, our love for our spouses, children, parents and siblings seem like hate in comparison. When we love you as you delight to be loved, we will we actually love the members of our families the way you intend—as an extension and expression of your perfect love.
Lord Jesus, you are our ultimate Spouse, and only your love is better than life. It’s only in relationship with you that our deepest longings and greatest needs are met. Forgive us for looking to anyone else for the intimacy you alone can give. Forgive us for putting anyone or anything above you in priority and passion.
Restore and renew our first love for you. Take our affections to new places of liberating and transforming wonder. We don’t want to love you conventionally, politely, or with any reservations. We want to love you with consuming abandon and heart-recalibrating joy, for you alone are worthy. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and loving name.