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Recently, I’ve heard comments like, ‘this man/woman is not for them, what do they bring to the table, they’re not on the same level, if I were them I’d ditch him/her and look for someone who can provide. I found those comments very disturbing, dishonouring and disrespectful. It also displays the selfishness of one’s heart as it’s the ‘Me Syndrome’ at work.
Jesus’ love is sacrificial. He put the need of the human sinful condition first, He died to himself for the will of our Heavenly Father. At the weekend I watched a film about the prophet Hosea and for the first time I understood why God called this prophet to marry a prostitute, who continued to have adulterous relationships even after her marriage to Hosea.
But yet, in obedience to God Hosea continued to love her and take her back. It was a beautiful picture of how God loves us, that despite our shortcomings, He never stops loving us and always takes us back. Hosea put obedience to God first over his personal needs and happiness.
I also realised that love is not cheap, it’s costly. First, love is a matter of the heart and its characteristics are stated in the Bible, (1 Corinthians 13). Second, love looks beyond its own needs and puts those of others before its own and third, this love can only be put in our hearts by God who will strengthen us in His mercy and grace to walk in it.
Before coming to this place in my life I misunderstood what true love was, I lived in the human definition of it – selfishness. I made huge mistakes and hurt people as a consequence. I wanted love to work on my terms, on reflection I was a selfish woman. When I opened my heart and surrendered my life fully to God, He taught me how to love, He healed my heart and made me whole.
This love is not cheap, it will cost you to lay down your selfish lifestyle, would you like to walk in this new life of love? God is waiting to give it to you, just ask Him!
You’ll know and experience true love, your love for people will soar to new heights, there will be a new peace and joy within your soul, you’ll walk in forgiveness toward those who hurt you, there’s freedom from hate and negative emotions. You’ll enjoy places, pets and things but won’t place them above loving people, because after all God said “to love your neighbour as yourself”.
So until next time, remember you are beautiful and wonderfully made – With love Amanda x
Amanda Alexander is a Pastor, Teacher, TV Media Journalist.
Founder of Female Dignity, Warrior Women, Amanda Alexander Production. She serves on the leadership team of New Life Church in Bishops Stortford and ministry coordinator for Patrick’s Mission
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Disclaimer: This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to CaribDirect Multi-Media Ltd.
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