Love Beyond Measure

As we journey through the Lenten season, our hearts and minds turn towards the final days of Jesus' ministry. These precious moments, leading up to the cross, carry immense weight and significance. They represent the culmination of Jesus' teachings, the essence of His message, and the ultimate demonstration of divine love.

In those last days, every word and action of Jesus took on profound importance. Like the last words of a dying person, they demand our utmost attention and reflection. Among these final teachings, one stands out with particular clarity and power: the command to love as Jesus loved.

Picture the scene: Jesus gathers His closest followers in an upper room for the Passover meal. The air is thick with anticipation and unspoken tension. Jesus knows what lies ahead – betrayal, suffering, and death. Yet in this moment, He chooses to focus not on Himself, but on imparting a crucial lesson to those He will soon leave behind.

"Dear children," He begins, drawing them close with words of tender affection. "I give you a new command: 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)

These words might seem simple at first glance, but they carry revolutionary power. To understand their full impact, we must delve into the rich meaning behind the Greek word Jesus uses for love: agape.

The ancient Greeks had three distinct words for love:

1. Eros: The passionate, often fleeting love of romance and physical attraction.
2. Phileo: The warm affection of friendship and familial bonds.
3. Agape: A selfless, unconditional love that seeks the highest good for others.

While eros and phileo were commonly used in Greek literature and everyday speech, agape was rarely employed – until Jesus and His followers made it central to their message. Agape represents a love that goes beyond emotion or mutual benefit. It is a deliberate choice, a commitment to value and serve others regardless of circumstance or reciprocation.

This is the love Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry, reaching its pinnacle in His sacrifice on the cross. And it's the love He calls His followers to embody and extend to the world.

But Jesus didn't merely speak about this love – He modeled it in a powerful, unforgettable way. Before sharing the Passover meal, Jesus did something that shocked and humbled His disciples. He, their revered teacher and long-awaited Messiah, took on the role of a lowly servant. Removing His outer garments, Jesus knelt before each of His followers and washed their dirty, travel-worn feet.

This act of service went beyond social norms and expectations. It was a vivid illustration of the selfless, dignifying love Jesus wanted His disciples to understand and emulate. Even more remarkably, Jesus washed the feet of Judas – the very one He knew would soon betray Him. This is agape love in action – choosing to serve and honor even those who may hurt us.

The challenge Jesus presents is immense. Loving as He loved often feels beyond our human capabilities. It requires us to set aside our ego, our desire for reciprocation, and our instinct for self-preservation. It calls us to love not only those who are easy to love but also those who test our patience, who oppose us, or who may never return our kindness.

Yet Jesus assures us that this radical love is the truest mark of His followers. It's through this love that the world will recognize us as His disciples. In a world often marked by division, judgment, and self-interest, the agape love of Jesus stands out as a beacon of hope and transformation.

So how do we begin to cultivate this kind of love in our own lives? Paradoxically, it often starts with learning to love ourselves. Many of us struggle with self-criticism, shame, or a sense of unworthiness that hinders our ability to fully love others. We cannot give what we do not possess.

Take a moment right now to pause and literally embrace yourself. Wrap your arms around your body in a gesture of self-acceptance and care. This simple act can release endorphins, those "feel-good" chemicals in our brains. More importantly, it's a physical reminder of the love God has for you – a love you're called to extend to yourself and others.

Learning to love ourselves with God's love isn't about narcissism or self-indulgence. It's about recognizing our inherent worth as children of God and treating ourselves with the kindness and grace He offers us. As we grow in this self-love, we become better equipped to love others authentically and generously.

This journey of love often begins with small choices – choosing patience over irritation, forgiveness over resentment, generosity over selfishness. It might mean reaching out to a difficult family member, serving in your community without recognition, or showing kindness to someone who has hurt you. Each of these actions, however small, is a step towards embodying the agape love of Jesus.

Remember, this love isn't about perfection or never struggling. It's about a commitment to grow, to keep choosing love even when it's difficult. It's about allowing God's love to flow through us, transforming our hearts and our relationships in the process.

As we continue our spiritual journey, let us hold close these words of Jesus. May they challenge us, inspire us, and guide us towards a love that knows no bounds. In a world hungry for genuine connection and compassion, we have the opportunity to offer something truly revolutionary – the agape love of Christ, lived out in our daily lives.

Let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. (1 John 4:7)