There were any number of things Jesus could have done with his life here on Earth. He chose to give it away.

A Lenten Celebration of the Love of God

Posted on by Michele Morin

Sunday Scripture

Our son sawed lumber, hammered nails, and used a paintbrush dipped in Mediterranean Olive green to create custom made doors for our bathroom closet. There are any number of things a twenty-year-old guy could do with his Saturday. He chose to give his away.

When Jesus gathered in the Upper Room for the last time with his disciples, he was clear about two things:

  1. He was going to leave them physically, but physical separation did not mean spiritual separation.
  2.  They were to love one another with the same kind of love Jesus had demonstrated for them.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  (John 13:34, 35)

Shortly, he would provide the greatest possible illustration of that love, a self-giving that seeks the good of its object at any cost.

Confronted with this quality and degree of love for fellow sinners, a love that transcended natural affinity, geography, and even cultural differences, the world came to recognize that the disciples had “been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

There were any number of things Jesus could have done with his life here on Earth.
He chose to give it away.

Coming into the celebration of Lent next week with Ash Wednesday, we will be reading Uncovering the Love of Jesus: A Lent Devotional around our dining room table. Asheritah Ciuciu brings the observance of Lent into everyday life with daily devotions and suggestions for fun family activities and celebrations.

The love Jesus put on display was characterized by sacrifice, the embodiment of a selfless my-life-for-yours. Viewed through this lens, Lent becomes a participation in sacrificial love. The question, “What should I give up for Lent?” is no longer an “equation of earning; it’s a response of gratefuless.” (15) We  don’t give up chocolate or Netflix or social media to earn more of God’s love or favor. God’s love is already given in full measure.

What if, instead,  we all entered into our Lenten celebration with the question, “Who is God calling me to love?”

Many thanks to Moody Publishing for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which, of course, is offered freely and with honesty.

I recently reviewed Asheritah’s Bible and Breakfast and invite you to read my thoughts on it here.

Because of His love,

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees. If you should decide to purchase Uncovering the Love of Jesus: A Lent Devotional or Bible and Breakfast: 31 Mornings with Jesus–Feeding Our Bodies and Souls Togethersimply click on the title within the text, and you’ll be taken directly to Amazon. If you decide to buy, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Published by Michele Morin

Michele Morin is a Bible teacher, writer, reader, and gardener committed to the truth that women can become confident Christ-followers and students of God's Word. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty-plus years, and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-love, and five adorable grandchildren. Michele loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” She blogs at Living Our Days, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

23 thoughts on “A Lenten Celebration of the Love of God”

  1. Sounds like an amazing devotional for Lent, Michele. For many years now, I’ve chosen to take on something for Lent rather than intentionally give something up. This has led to some wonderful Bible studies and more time spent with the Lord. And you’re so right when you say nothing we do could make God love us any more or any less, but may we seek Him this Lenten season with all our hearts.
    Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. As our kids transition to adulthood, it’s such a joy when they do something around the house because they want to and not because they’re expected to. And what a needed reminder when I feel I need to hoard time to myself, that Jesus gave His away.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Giving of ourselves is such a beautiful expression of love, and what better way to follow our Lord’s example. Looks like a great devotional. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Your last sentence stopped me in my tracks. “He chose to give it away.” Is there a better example of selfless love and generosity than that one act?

    Kudos to your son for his selfless and generous act of love too!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. I love the question you posed – ‘Who is God calling me to Love.” I have to admit it stung a little. I am pretty sure I know who, but I am so busy wanting to be loved by this person I haven’t been too willing to love. Thank you. Maree

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared. Have a lovely week. I hope to see you at next week’s party too! Come party with us at Over The Moon! Catapult your content Over The Moon! @marilyn_lesniak @EclecticRedBarn

    Liked by 1 person

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