The Selfless Love of Jesus Christ: Implications for Christian Living and Relationships

Blessing Orogun April 12, 2023 0

The life of Jesus embodies the essence of living. It is the map that guides us on our earthly pilgrimage. He became flesh and dwelt among us to be an excellent example of how we ought to conduct ourselves and to ultimately save us from everything that hinders us from having the life of abundance that God intended for us, including ourselves.

The life Jesus lived showed us that it takes selflessness to love others, and it gives us the blueprint for how to live and build relationships as Christians. The same way we read the biographies of successful people and replicate what they did because we want to be successful is the same way we are to emulate the life of Christ. He didn’t have to go to the cross for us, yet he did because of the love he had for us.

He knew the pain and shame that awaited him there, but he didn’t turn his back on us because he knew how much we needed him. He has always been and will continue to be our only hope.

This teaches us to love others just as Jesus Christ loved us. He gave up his life in our stead. He knew no sin but became sin that we might become the righteousness of God through him. This is why we must embrace Him and live right. What greater love could there be than offering up one’s life for another’s?

He knew he was going to be betrayed and yet he washed the feet and fed the one who was going to betray him. He didn’t count the sin of those who accused him wrongly and who were shouting “Crucify him! Crucify him!”.

Rather, he prayed “Lord, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” What a selfless heart! This is a profound lesson to all Christians. If we received the pardon of all our wrongdoings for free, how dare we withhold our forgiveness for the wrong others have done to us?

Jesus led with compassion and humility. He came not to be served, but to serve, and that through him, all might be saved. How can we profess to be followers of this same Jesus and find it difficult to show compassion and empathy to those around us? We have become so driven by ‘self’ that we do not see anyone else except ourselves.

How then do we convince people that our Jesus is who we say he is? We are the Bibles that people read. Our lives should preach Jesus Christ and his selfless love. Whatever we find ourselves doing, we should do to the glory of God. We are not our own.

We have been bought with a price, and as a result, we’ve got a name to protect. It is the seal that has been placed upon us, and it has become our identity. We live by the codes and ethics of that name. We surrender our will to His divine will.

It doesn’t always come easy to us, but as Jesus prayed in despair in the garden of Gethsemane just before he was given up to the Jews, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42 KJV). May we have the courage to always bring our desires to God in surrender, and as “…there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:43), may we receive grace and power to keep us firm in his will.

Finally, Christian living is a higher calling, one that wills us to be more gracious, compassionate, forgiving, and sacrificial. It is a call to serve. It is my earnest prayer that we embody the selfless love of Christ that we have benefited from and extend the same measure of grace that we have received unto others. May the darkness of this world not deter Certainly!

In conclusion, the life of Jesus is a shining example of what it means to live a life of love, humility, and sacrifice. As Christians, we are called to follow in his footsteps and to love others as he loved us. We must strive to embody his selfless and extend the same measure of grace and compassion that we have received unto others.

By living a life that preaches Jesus Christ and his teachings, we can be the light in this dark world and bring hope to those who are lost. Let us surrender our will to his divine will and trust in him to guide us on our earthly pilgrimage.

May we always remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross, and may it inspire us to live a life that is pleasing to him. May we be transformed by his love and live a life that reflects his character. And may we continue to seek his face and grow in our relationship with him each day.