Looking Unto the Cross..... A devotional for day 25 LENT Wednesday, April 5

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Galatians 5:1-2 The Lenten season is traditionally observed by giving something up during that time. We deny ourselves something and it reminds us of what Christ gave for us. It focuses our minds on Him and His love. Every time we remember what we're sacrificing, we focus on Him. We become more and more deeply aware of our powerlessness to transform ourselves and of the overwhelming power of Christ and His love to transform every thought and relationship. I am coming to recognize a new distinction in my own life and, I think, in the lives of others around me. That is the distinction between loving and seeking to be loved. Most of the time when we thought we were loving others, we were really only seeking to be loved by them. We begged them, we bribed them, we charmed them -- and we thought we were loving them. That's why when they didn't respond, we were hurt or angry or dismissive of them. But Christ didn't come seeking to be loved. He came loving us. He came serving, rather than seeking to be served. He loved us unconditionally -- "while we were yet sinners." He loved us sacrificially "and gave himself up for us." I think I'm discovering that there is incredible freedom and power in allowing Christ to be the abundant source of our love, and then really loving those around us, rather than seeking to make them love us. When we allow the mighty torrents of God's love to flow freely through us to others, without thought of return from them, they are "quickened" -- made alive again in hope. Their lives are transformed by the love of God. They move from hopelessness to hope to surrender to boundless joy. I want to live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. Brad Mercer Frisco, TX USA Father Help me to give myself away. Even when the pain of rejection comes, let me live as though my life only has meaning as I share it instead of hoarding it. Take me to where I can become part of the bigger scope of reality instead of being encapsulated within my own vision, my own cares, my own desires. Help me choose to give in love. Not my love, but yours. Amen Suggested Daily Scripture Reading [Psalms 101, 109] [Gen. 50:15-26] [ I Cor. 12:1-11] [Mark 8:11-26] Visit: 1999 Advent/Christmas Series Epiphany Series You may send e-mail comments or suggestions toYvonne Edwards. Edited: Mar. 23, 1:00 p.m. Page designed by: Cecil Wallace Prayer by: Joe Hittle The background set is provided by DoveStar Cross button courtesy of The Christian Graphics Gallery Copyright © 2000 NazNet All rights reserved. International copyright secured.