1 Jn 4:19
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me
Mat 16:24
Christ taught that love is not for the fulfillment of self but for the glory of God and the good of others. True love is selfless. It gives; it sacrifices; it dies to its own needs. "Greater love has no one than this", Jesus said, "that he lay down His life for his friends" (Jn 15:13). He backed up His words with actions - He laid down His life for all of us.
Christ also showed that true love is not measured or governed by feeling. He went to the cross when every emotion and instinct in His body told Him to turn back. He submitted Himself to His Father's will. Christ wants us to have this same attitude. He told us "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (Jn 14:15).
Jesus' example also shows us that love is under our control. He chose to love us. He chose to lay down His life for us. Love is not some strange "force" that tosses us around against our will like leaves in the wind. Love is not "passionate lust" (1 Thes 4:5). We express true love in obedience to God and service to others, and we choose these behaviors.
(by Joshua Harris)
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