Candy, Roses and Sacrifice

Many in the world today have a shallow view of love. We talk of "puppy love" and chuckle when reminded that it "is real to the puppy!" That kind of love has even been defined: it is "a tickling sensation around the heart that can't be scratched." That settles it for some.

We even have symbols of that variety of love. The candy industry has prospered greatly by the red heart-shaped box of chocolates secured with a broad ribbon. The florist has the solution for the health and diet conscious: a dozen red roses with a tender sentiment inscribed on a card. Sometimes a card is acceptable, even without the roses, if it is elaborate enough!

The entertainment media have another slant on "love." It could more aptly be described as lust. There is no demand for loyalty, trust, or any other virtue; only gratification of the baser part of human nature.

But in the Bible God indicates that there is sacrifice involved in genuine love. "For God so loved the world, that he gave . . ." What did He give? ". . . His only begotten Son, . . ." For what purpose? ". . . that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). God sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ, that you, the object of God's love, might have everlasting life. That is sacrificial love!

But toward what kind of object did God so manifest His love? "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:6-8).

This was not a passive deed by Christ in obedience to His Father. Nor was it a deed apart from His own love. "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor" (Ephesians 5:1, 2). Christ loved us as did the Father. Christ gave Himself as God gave His Son. And both gave in sacrifice. It was you whom He loved and it was for you that He laid down His life in sacrifice.

An expression of love anticipates a response. Candy and roses usually get one. But how about the sacrificial love of Christ? Will you acknowledge that love? Will you respond to that love by considering the cost of its expression? Remember, it cost God His Son and it cost His Son His life that you might be redeemed, forgiven and made alive in Christ Jesus. He asks only that you respond in simple, trusting faith. ". . . Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts 16:31).