1 John 3:16, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus laid down his life for us."

Think

The Ultimate Sacrifice I love ice cream. I love my spouse. In the English language, this could cause confusion - and marital conflict - because there are many definitions for the word love. It sounds like I'm giving them equal value. However, this confusion would not happen with the Greek language found in the New Testament. When John writes "this is how we know what love is," his word choice for love is the Greek word agape - an unconditional, sacrificial love. He does not use eros, meaning "physical attraction" or philos, meaning "friendship." John deliberately uses agape when he describes Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for us. Often people say they love you, but their actions don't add up. Jesus proved his love for us with his actions. It wasn't just a casual expression. He paid a debt he did not owe because you and I owed a debt we could not pay. We are sinners deserving of God's judgment. Jesus was sinless and willingly laid his life down for us. He paid the ultimate price, so we would not have to. This is agape. This is love!

 

Act

Good Friday and Easter Sunday are fast approaching. You know five people who would benefit greatly by attending the Good Friday experience at Klyde Warren Park or an Easter Sunday service at one of our many Fellowship Church locations. Make it your goal today to invite those five people to attend!

 

Pray

Heavenly Father, I thank you that Jesus loved me by laying his life down for me. Grant me opportunities today to invite people to attend Good Friday in the Park and our Easter Sunday Celebration. In Jesus' name, Amen.