The deep relationship and connection existing between parents and their children cannot be overemphasized. The cordiality is premised on the filial cord of love binding a child with his or her parents. Notably is the mother-child relationship which starts from the womb, to grooming through infanthood, nurturing through adolescence and monitoring through adulthood.
However, Jesus Christ’s expectation about love for Him is greater than the familial love, and that was why He said: *“He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me”* (Matt. 10:37). Love for Christ should be reciprocated. We love Him, because He first loved us – 1Jn. 4:19. The love of Jesus for us is based on passion, and not emotion. The love Christ has for us is unequal. Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down His life for His friends – Jn. 15:13. No parent can willingly die for his/her child! The love of Christ is incomparable. Jesus said: Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? – Jn. 21:15-17. Do you love Christ more than your family or money? The dimension of love believers are expected to have for Jesus Christ is hinged on Deut. 11:13 *“And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul”*. This dimension of love encompasses the totality of human being. It is an undiluted love premised not on words of confession alone, but shown in action. The first is commitment which starts from inward love, and it is seen in the outward demonstration. Passion is the fuel that drives commitment to God and His Kingdom. Do you have passion, zeal and thirst for the things of God? The second is sacrifice which means that your love for God must cost you something - time, comfort, talent/gift, energy etc. What are you bringing to the altar of sacrifice? The third is found in service. Jesus Christ demonstrated this by washing the feet of His disciples. The service must be rendered in humility, holiness and faithfulness. Service, at times, comes in work clothes i.e. rendering seemingly dirty or odd services. Jesus told Simon Peter: *“If you love me, feed my sheep.”* The fourth is giving. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. Love for God is shown in giving your heart, body and soul; and all that you have.
Friend, love is shown in action; not in the mere words of mouth! Do you really love Jesus Christ? The proof of your love for Christ is premised on giving your life to Him. God bless you richly.
