What Wondrous Love Is This

The little baby in the manger whose birth we recently celebrated became a Man. He changed lives. He expected difficult things of His followers.

He asked His disciples to forsake all and serve beside Him. He asked people to turn away from their sins and become whole. He asked for total devotion, saying, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." And, He offered them everything in return: healing, resurrection, and eternal life.

When the Savior approached the Samaritan woman at the well, He knew she was living in sin, but He also knew she had great faith. Although Samaritans, sinners. and women were not valued in the Jewish culture, Jesus reached out to a simple, and yet wonderful woman, with kindness, respect, and love. After the woman discovered who the Savior was, she ran to tell others about Him. She was transformed by the Savior's love.

As we begin a new year, perhaps the best gift we can give ourselves and others is loving, following, and honoring God. When we do this, we are happy and content. Although a consecrated life may appear difficult, in reality, it is an easier life, for it frees us from the despair of guilt, sin, and addiction. Accepting Christ is the path to perfect peace.

Accepting Christ begins with trusting Him and believing that He knows us and loves us infinitely. As we accept Christ, we pray constantly, we serve unselfishly, and we forgive others as He has forgiven us. When we accept Christ, we allow Him to mold us into His image. We forsake the world and follow Him. We give Him our hearts, and He creates in us a new heart and a new spirit. What wondrous love is this!





© Carol Brown