Greater love has no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13

When we’re grafted into Heaven’s Rose, His sweetness will permeate everything within and about us.

Christ’s Love.

No one has ever loved us like Jesus.  Although “for a good man some would even dare to die” (Rom. 5:7)—e.g., soldier falling on a grenade to spare the lives of his comrades—the fact remains that Jesus didn’t die for His friends; He died for “ungodly sinners who were His enemies from birth” (Rom. 5:6, 8, 10; 8:7).

Yet, in condescending Love, He “made of Himself no reputation and took upon Himself the form of a slave. . .humbling Himself and becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross” (Phil. 3:7-8).  And, in the process He said “Henceforth I call you not servants—for the servant knows not what his lord does; but I have called you friends. . .” (Jn. 15:15a) and “isn’t ashamed to call us Brother or Sister” (Heb. 2:11).  Aren’t you glad?  Hallelujah!!

Yes, dear Pilgrim, “no greater love” has ever been shown than that which Jesus showed for us that day when He died on an old, rugged Cross on Calvary.

He allowed His Face to be slapped by cruel, callused hands—because He loved us.

He allowed parts of His beard to be plucked out by its roots—because He loved us.

He allowed spittle to stream down His Face—because he loved us.

He allowed a crown of thorns to prick His Brow, causing tiny rivulets of blood to flow down—because He loved us.

He allowed His Back to be shredded by a cat-o-nine-tails—because He loved us.

He allowed His Hands and Feet to pierced by old, rusty nails—because He loved us.

Truly, there has never been “any greater love” than His.

And, there never will be.

That’s why we should commit even now that we will do everything in our power. . .each moment of each day. . .to be continually “crucified with Christ” (Gal. 2:20) so nothing in our life (our attitude, words and deed) will hinder His Love from flowing through us to each one we meet.

How wonderful it is to experience this “God-type Love” that’s available to “whosoever will” (Rom. 10:9-10, 13).  In Christ we should be “equal-opportunity lovers” and not rest until we are.  Woe to those who feel no compunction or conviction over this—for one of these days they’ll stand before the Righteous Judge, Who’ll ask them why they weren’t (Mt. 25:31-44).  And, no amount of apologies or crocodile tears shall help them on that Day when He says “Depart from Me, you worker of iniquity—I never knew you” (Mt. 7:21-23; 25:45-46).

Fragrant fellowship.  Fragrant fellowship.

Keep repeating those words through today.  Then do all you can to ensure your fellow believers do the same in transforming your church into an Outpost of Heaven where everyone who enters her doors will also say “Oh how sweet the Fragrance here!  What is it?”

by: Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated June 26, 2008

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