The Breath of LentНамуна

When we consider the cost of discipleship, one of the greatest costs is love. As a follower of Christ, we are to love as He loved. That is an extremely tall order, for when you extend love, there is the possibility that love will not be reciprocated. The love given may be misused or ridiculed.

When we offer love as Christ has commanded us, we are opening ourselves to a vulnerability that can be deeply wounding if it is not received as it is offered. That is when we must remember that it is not our love that people reject, but Christ's love. There still is a sting, and there still can be woundedness, for we are passionate about spreading the love of God to others. The key is whether this love is acceptance or refusal. When offered, we are identifying with Christ. As Christ suffered, so we too will suffer.

The weeks before Christ's crucifixion were filled with His passion and love. Some rejected His love, and those who embraced it. Learn and lean on the example of Jesus – He relied on His relationship with His Father to see Him through.

Inhale: I can do all this

Exhale: Through him who gives me strength.