What Is The Cost Of Love?

"Today's Devotion" For April 12, 2005

Read: Mark 12:28-34; Luke 18:18-29

WHAT IS THE COST OF LOVE?

"When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth." (Lk. 18:23)

As we listen to newscasts and read newspapers a trend in the stories emerges. Usually we're hearing about things that have gone wrong. We could reasonably argue, that while there are occasional stories about the good things people have done, there are more frequently accounts of the terrible things that happen and the evil people do to one another. One of the local "News at Ten" channels recently has been advertising a more balanced approach to the news, but, to be honest, I've not personally seen that they're not reporting any differently than they always have been. Violence and bad things sell. There's a prurient interest among human beings to hear about bad things. As a people, things like physical violence, people being stripped of their life's savings by scam artists, police misconduct, discrimination, and religious, moral, or ethical lapses all seem to get our attention before "good" news, because such news is considered "exciting" and far more interesting than "good" news. It seems as if we human beings are more willing to hear about things that reduce the value of human life and take away one's dignity, than those things that uplift and show respect for others.

Now don't get me wrong. Certainly we need to know when others are being hurt or harmed so we can do something about it, even if it just means not behaving in the same way toward others. Certain lifestyles or actions are definitively contrary to the Will of God, and should not be condoned. Yet as a Christian I can't condone hatred, maltreatment, abuse, defamation of character, or any other such harm that others might wish to put on those who practice "alternative lifestyles" or act in ways not in keeping with God's Will. As a Christian I want to know about things that are hurting others so that I can at least pray for them and about things that are happening that God might provide relief. For you and me, as we face the world and hear the news of the day, our lives are lived in the recognition and faith that Christ died for EVERYONE, regardless of who or what they are. That's how great the Father's love is, and, as our two readings for today point out, His love leads us to love as He does. Hatred never changes one's heart for the better. It only destroys. Yet God's love in Christ, declared to us in the Gospel, changes hearts, gives life, and plants seeds of hope in troubled hearts and lives. .

The expert in the law came close to losing his salvation because he was focused on loving God above everything, to the exclusion of his neighbor. The rich young ruler placed his salvation in jeopardy because his love excluded loving God above all things. Both needed to understand that loving God and one's neighbor go hand in hand. You and I need this same reminder every day of our lives. Loving others is costly. It cost God the life of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross of Calvary. Yet, God was willing that such a terrible price be paid so that He could redeem the world from Sin. Through the unselfish, loving, and gracious act of Christ, suffering and dying on the Cross for the sins of the world, the forgiveness of sins came into the world for all who repent. Through that selfless act of love and mercy, we are freed through faith in Jesus' blood and righteousness to love God above all things and our neighbors as ourselves. The cost of love is putting God and others ahead of ourselves and, thus, being concerned for and loving to even those who aren't "loveable."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have loved me so much that, even when I wasn't "loveable," lost in sin and unbelief, You sent Your Only Son, Jesus Christ, to free me from Sin and make me Your child. Help me to appreciate that that salvation is for all people, no matter how "unlovable" they may be. Remind me that only You can make someone "loveable" in Christ, and that, as You have loved me, You also give me the faith to love You above all things and love my neighbor as myself. Lead me to exercise that love in such a way, that I might reach the "unlovable" with Christ's love and lead them to You and their salvation in Christ; in Whose name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright © 2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.