[Maximum Joy Series] Perfect LoveSample

Manifestation of Love–Part 2

Just as a diamond has many facets that reflect the quality of this precious stone, love, and especially agape love, has many aspects. We have spoken regarding two of the characteristics of God’s perfect love. We have said that agape love is all giving and sacrificial. 

Today we will take a closer look at two other aspects or facets of the manifestation of love. The first one has to do with another expression of agape love: Jesus giving up the riches of heaven to become poor for our sakes. This is what the apostle Paul means when he speaks about having the mindset of Jesus Christ. Let us remember that Paul is writing to the church in Philippi—to Christians. He sets the example explaining that when it comes to how we should relate to one another, we should have Jesus’s mindset. 

Now, you may be asking yourself, “Well, what do you mean by having the mindset of Jesus?” Paul explains that Jesus, being in His very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. He emptied himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. What a marvelous example of love!

The second aspect regarding the manifestation of love that we should consider has to do with the fact that Jesus loved us first. He loves us even if and when we did not love Him. God proved His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). 

What a portrait of His love for us! The picture of such a perfect love should be imprinted on the “canvas” of our hearts and minds so that we may never forget how deep is His love for each one of us His children. 

In order to help you remember and engrave this image of the manifestation of God’s love for us, let us keep in mind that:

• God’s love is all giving.

• God’s love is sacrificial.

• He “emptied Himself” becoming a servant for us.

• God loved us first, even while we were sinners and enemies of God. 

May we never forget the price he paid, what it cost Him to break down the wall, to bridge the gap, to reconcile us to our Creator and loving Father. He gave everything for us; He emptied Himself so that we could be fulfilled with His Holy Spirit. The picture of such perfect love should become the motivation for love that will lead us to Maximum Joy!