The sixth characteristic of our house of faith that we can learn from Paul and Timothy is probably the most important one and that is love. Jesus showed us the biggest ever act of love by dying, though innocent, in our place.

That is exactly where we have to start too. To share love freely, we first have to get rid of the own self in our lives. The own self must die first, because only then can we give without first asking what’s in it for me? Then we can give without complaining of the pain of giving away your own stuff just like that. Then we can automatically sacrifice our self without expecting something in return.

Kobus showed a piece of his heart:

Life is weird. Why, after many years of hardship and getting through stuff together and holding on, decide you want to divorce? What became of the promise you made before the altar?

My wife has lupus and it is very hard for her. There is no cure for this disease, it can only go into remission. This makes strange things go through her head.

She often reads about people who divorce and commit suicide because of this disease. I said to her we’ve been married 31 years and have probably known one another for 37 years. There’s no way that I would leave her to go through this alone.

I made a promise on our wedding day and will support her till death parts us. My late parents taught me to always be an example for others.

I have a wonderful son who got married to his best friend in life in November. We have to be an example for them …

A love that sacrifices. A love that gives. A love that gives of yourself.

Unfortunately, we don’t see a lot of that today. No, we see love that is so thin, it breaks into pieces as soon as something is asked of the self.

The world, our friends, our family, our colleagues, everybody is looking for someone to look up to. Someone whose example they can follow in this very broken world. We know Jesus is the best and most perfect example. It’s your and my responsibility to go and show his love out there in the world.

Are you prepared to give yourself? Are you prepared to be an example like Kobus and to keep holding on, even at an enormous cost to yourself? Are you prepared to go and live Jesus’ sacrificial love in the crooked streets of the world?

Maybe we shouldn’t answer too quickly, because this is no easy thing to do. Maybe it’s better to sit down and ask the Holy Spirit to help you with your answers. Fortunately, He will also help you to start acting.

Scripture
2 Tim 3:10-13

Reflection
Are you prepared to give yourself?
Are you prepared to be an example and keep holding on, despite the cost?
Are you prepared to live Jesus’ sacrificial love out in the crooked streets of the world?

Prayer
Jesus, You were such a good example of love that keeps on giving. Yes, You even gave your life. I am so grateful to be on the receiving side of your sacrificial love. And that is exactly why I want to live that love out in the world. Amen.