The imagery of being lost at sea and then found resonates with the story of Peter walking on water towards Jesus. When Peter was afraid and began to sink, he cried out, and Jesus immediately reached out and caught him, saying, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:31). To go deeper with Jesus wholeheartedly means to trust Him even when the waves of life are crashing around us. It's an invitation to step out in faith, keeping our eyes fixed on Him, and to experience the fullness of His love and power in our lives.
What it Means to Love as Jesus Loves Us
To love as Jesus loves us is to love unconditionally, sacrificially, and selflessly. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Jesus exemplifies perfect love by laying down His life for us, showing that true love is about giving of oneself for the good of others. When we say, "less of me, more of you," we express a desire to embody this love in our lives, allowing Jesus's love to flow through us to others.
All Consuming, Doves Eyes: I Am His and He Is Mine
The Song of Solomon speaks of a love that is all-consuming and singular in focus, often symbolized by "doves eyes," which denotes purity and fidelity. "You have captivated my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated my heart with one glance of your eyes" (Song of Solomon 4:9). To live with "doves eyes" for Jesus means to see our identity, purpose, and fulfillment solely in Him. It's a love that consumes us, making our lives a reflection of His love and grace.
Overcoming Fear and Death
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). The assurance of God's presence, love, and power gives us the courage to overcome fear and death. Through Jesus, we have the victory over death, for He has conquered the grave, assuring us that, in Him, we have eternal life. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).
Heaven is a Place on Earth
Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven" (Matthew 6:10). The Kingdom of Heaven begins in the hearts of those who believe in Jesus and live according to His will. By loving as Jesus loves, we manifest glimpses of Heaven on Earth, creating spaces where God's love, peace, and justice prevail.
This devotional journey invites us to experience the depth of Jesus's love, to trust Him in the midst of our fears, and to partner with Him in bringing Heaven to Earth through acts of love, compassion, and service to others. It's a call to live fully in the love of God, where we find our true home and purpose.
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