“In Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. He himself is our peace.” Therefore, “love as I have loved you.” (Eph. 2:13-14; Jn.15:12).
Lord Jesus, during the 12 days of Christmas, we celebrate your journey from the “far-ness” of eternity to the nearness of the manger. However, you don’t leave us “cooing” over your crib. You call us onward to the wonder and implications of your vacant cross, empty tomb, and occupied throne—(a most glorious trio).
We now live under the grand declaration, “No condemnation for your sin remains” (Rom. 8:1), robed in the perfection of your righteousness. We joyfully sing “His banner over me is love!” (Song of Songs 2:4). We are deeply loved, and we are also clearly called.
Our never-ending mandate is to love others as you love us, Jesus. We can’t make anyone “happy or holy,” and shouldn’t try. But we can love everyone “as unto you”—as an act of worship, trust, and faith (Col. 3:23-24).
This side of the new heaven and new earth, we won’t have conflict-free, brokenness-absent relationships. But we will always have Christ-present, new-mercies, Spirit-empowered, Gospel-financed days. Whether or not we choose to spend the currency of your grace is up to us.
None of our relationships are beyond the need, reach, hope, or “pay-grade” of your grace. “Love never fails” isn’t a tattoo, cliché, or myth. It’s the most revolutionary way of life we can choose. Just like you did (and do) for us. Thank you Jesus, and So Very Amen.