Message:
I always thought love was shaped like a heart. But it’s actually like a cross.
This profound statement invites us to reconsider our understanding of love. Often, we associate love with feelings of warmth and affection, as symbolized by the heart. However, when examined through the lens of faith and sacrifice, we see that true love is exemplified in the selflessness of the cross. The cross is not merely a symbol of suffering; it embodies the essence of unconditional love—one that is willing to endure pain for the sake of others. It reflects a love that sacrifices, forgives, and transforms lives.
In the busyness of life, we are sometimes drawn into misconceptions about love, seeking validation and acceptance that aligns with our desires. Yet, the love demonstrated through the cross reminds us of the depth of commitment and the weight of true sacrifice. It urges us to emulate this kind of love in our relationships and interactions, transcending fleeting emotions and choosing a path of enduring kindness and grace. This is the love that changes hearts, heals wounds, and creates community.
As we reflect on the shape of love, let us embrace the call to love not only in words but in actions, following the example set before us. Love is not simply a feeling; it is a choice, a daily commitment to serve and uplift one another, echoing the love illustrated through the cross.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the unimaginable love You have shown through the sacrifice of the cross. Your love is not just an emotion but a powerful force that changes lives and transforms our understanding of what it means to truly love. I confess that I have often misaligned my perception of love, seeking it in fleeting moments rather than grasping its deeper meaning. I ask for Your forgiveness for the times I have failed to exhibit the kind of love that You demonstrated, one filled with grace, patience, and selflessness.
Lord, help me to grasp the boundless extent of Your love that was poured out on the cross. Let that serve as a constant reminder of the call You’ve placed upon my life—to love those around me with the same fervor and commitment. Teach me to see love as an act of service rather than mere sentiment, to give without expecting in return, and to embrace the beautiful simplicity of caring for others with my whole heart. Allow me to reflect Your light in this world, especially to those who are hurting, lost, or in need of hope.
Empower me to be an instrument of Your love, initiating acts of kindness and extending grace even to those who may not understand or appreciate it. Replace any bitterness or resentment with a spirit of compassion, and allow my actions to mirror the boundless love I receive from You every day. As I journey through life, remind me that true love often comes with sacrifice, and give me the strength to carry that burden joyfully. May I always align my heart to Your heart, so that I might share Your love with the world, for Your glory alone. Amen.
Sasha
