A true Christian loves Christ because of who He is and what He has done.
Jesus suffered in our place and died for us. By His blood He has freed us from the guilt, power, and penalty of sin. He has forgiven all our sins, called us by His Spirit to repentance and faith, rescued us from the dominion of the world, the flesh, and the devil, and turned us from the road to death onto the path that leads to life. He has given us light instead of darkness, peace instead of guilt, hope instead of fear, and life instead of death. How could we not love Him?
And we love Him for what He is still doing. Even now, Christ intercedes for us, supplies our every need, bears with our weakness, restores us when we fall, guards us from our enemies, and leads us safely home. Hour by hour, He gives mercy upon mercy and grace upon grace.
Does a debtor love the one who pays his debt?
Does a prisoner love the one who sets him free?
Does a drowning man love the one who pulls him from the depths?
So it is with the Christian and Christ.
There is no greater love than the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 5:6–8).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, You loved us when we were weak, lost, and undeserving. You gave Your life for us and You give Your grace to us still. Forgive our cold hearts, deepen our love, and teach us to answer Your question with our lives: “Yes, Lord—you know that we love You.” Keep us faithful until the day we see You face to face. Amen.
– The germinating seed for these devotional thoughts and prayer comes from…
J.C. Ryle’s “Daily Readings from All Four Gospels” edited by Robert Sheehan.
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