Oh how He loves you and Me!

Devotion for October 7th

What Love!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

Have you ever stopped to think how much Christ suffered during His trial and crucifixion? Think of all the pain He must have gone through when they placed the crown of thorns on His head, hit Him with a reed, had Him scourged, and when the nails pierced His hands and feet. The pain must have been nearly unbearable. Not only did He face physical pain but also the fact that He was alone. The perfect Son of God died the cruelest death, the death of the most wicked criminal with the sins of the whole world on his
shoulders.

While He was hanging on the cross, the thieves who were being crucified with Him mocked Him. But after watching and listening to Jesus for a while and noticing how He loved His persecutors, one thief repented of his past life. Notice how Jesus, though ridiculed earlier, forgave the man and promised him eternal life. The love of Christ amazes me. What can I do to possess this kind of love? Imagine asking God to forgive those who are tormenting you. Though we know we should have this kind of love, it seems so often it is easier to hold a grudge against our enemies. Do not! Love like Christ did while He was suffering.

Just before He died, Jesus said, “It is finished!” I do not think He meant only that His life was finished, but also, now the plan of salvation was complete. Through His death He had made it possible that we could be saved.

Praise God that Jesus did not remain dead! Within a few days He arose, the glorious conqueror of death. Jesus is still alive today, and I praise Him with my whole heart. He conquered death and has shown me how to be victorious through loving as He has loved me.

Marlin Coblentz, Hicksville, OH

Christ has done so much for me, the least I can do is live for Him.