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We have been deliberating on God’s love for believers in Christ and how we need to respond to it for its influence, effect, and impact to be profoundly felt in our lives.
In a previous teaching, we established that we respond to the Father’s love by loving Him. And under the New Covenant, we love the Father by keeping His commandment, which is to love one another as Christ has loved us.
Scriptures present Christ’s love for us as the model, standard, and blueprint for how we are to love one another (Jn. 13:34; Eph. 5:2). Therefore, we have considered the various characteristics of Christ’s love for us in order to emulate and demonstrate His love in our relationships.
Now, we will delve into the transformative power of Christ’s love. The love of Christ changes hearts, lives, and destinies. It shapes character, attitudes, and actions. Christ’s love brings comfort, hope, restoration, healing, and renewal to those who are broken, struggling, hurting, and marginalized.
Christ’s love prompted Matthew and Zacchaeus, the tax collectors, to repent and make amends for their past actions, demonstrating a genuine change of heart. Their stories highlight how love and acceptance can inspire positive transformation in individuals (Mt. 9:9-13; Lk. 19:1-10).
Mary Magdalene, touched by Christ’s compassionate love, was delivered from certain infirmities and the oppression of seven demons. Christ’s love for Mary Magdalene empowered her to become a prominent figure in the New Testament, supporting Him financially and serving as a witness to Jesus’ resurrection. She became a symbol of redemption, forgiveness, and the transformative power of Christ’s love (Jn. 8:1-3; Mk. 15:37-47; 16:1-2,9; Jn. 20:11-18).
Similarly, the entire village in Samaria embraced Christ’s love, believing in Him, and they were offered the opportunity for renewal and transformation (Jn. 4:27-30, 39-42).
Many others in the scriptures embraced Christ’s love for them and experienced healing, restoration, and redemption.
By showing love, care, and acceptance, we can create a safe and welcoming environment for the transformation of others, as Christ did.
God’s Servant: Peter Collins Obeng
GRACE COVENANT GLORY
