Resilient: Powerful Hope in a Dangerous WorldSample

What do you think of when you hear love? Do you think of your favorite love songs, movies, and books that tell the story of a valiant romance with brave princes and damsels in distress? Or do you recall your favorite memories filled with the sweet sounds of laughter with people closest to you?

When we think of love, we rarely think about suffering and sin. But Peter, recalling the wisdom of Proverbs, makes a relationship between the two: the best, the purest form of love is when we are willing to give it all to save the people in our lives from death. Jesus displayed this so perfectly on the cross – He is the one who sacrificed the glory of heaven for the disdain of earth so that you and I could be restored to perfect relationship with Him.

Love, as defined by the Savior of the world, is not a pampering love – it’s a perfecting love. To be made perfect means forgiveness and reconciliation when people have been harmed and wronged. It means complete sacrifice and the complete rejection of selfishness and pride.

The image of the King of the Cosmos hanging on the cross to bear our punishment is humiliating – Jesus was humiliated for us because He loves us.

You have the honor of knowing perfect love. It’s time for humiliation.

Reflection Questions

1. Who in your life is hardest to love? Are you willing to sacrifice it all so that they may have life?
2. Do you really, truly believe that Jesus loves you? Take time to pray through His love and forgiveness over your life.