āIf man had his way, the plan of redemption would be an endless and bloody conflict. In reality, salvation was bought not by Jesus’ fist, but by His nail-pierced hands; not by muscle but by love; not by vengeance but by forgiveness; not by force but by sacrifice. Jesus Christ our Lord surrendered in order that He might win; He destroyed His enemies by dying for them and conquered death by allowing death to conquer Him.ā
Love is a fruit, in season at all times and within the reach of every hand. Anyone may gather it and no limit is set. Everyone can reach this love through mediation, the spirit of prayer, and sacrifice.
I have been crucified with the Anointed OneāI am no longer aliveābut the Anointed is living in me; and whatever life I have left in this failing body I live by the faithfulness of Godās Son, the One who loves me and gave His body on the cross for me.
Pursue the greater gifts, and let me tell you of a more excellent wayālove.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Itās a loving God who birthed creation and now pursues a broken people in the most spectacular way. That same love must guide believers.
Love is patient; love is kind. Love isnāt envious, doesnāt boast, brag, or strut about. Thereās no arrogance in love; itās never rude, crude, or indecentāitās not self-absorbed. Love isnāt easily upset. Love doesnāt tally wrongs or celebrate injustice; but truthāyes, truthāis loveās delight! Love puts up with anything and everything that comes along; it trusts, hopes, and endures no matter what.
Brothers and sisters, in light of all I have shared with you about Godās mercies, I urge you to offer your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice to God, a sacred offering that brings Him pleasure; this is your reasonable, essential worship. Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete.
Paul urges those who read and hear his letter to respond to the good news by offering their bodiesāeyes, ears, mouths, hands, feetāto God as a āliving sacrifice.ā Paul knows well enough that sacrifices end in death, not life. But the sacrifice of Jesus changes everything. His resurrection steals life from death and makes it possible for those who trust in Him to become a sacrifice and yet live. But how do we live? We do not live as before, wrapping ourselves in the world and its bankrupt values. We live in constant renewal and transformation of our minds.
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