Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. (emphasis mine)—John 13:1
John MacArthur says "He loved them to the end" means literally, He loved them to perfection...fervently...to the limits of love. Oh Father, my love falls so very far short of the standards that you have not only laid out for me but also modeled for me! This is how I want to love those you have placed in my life...to perfection! Help me to love as You do. Your love is NOT of me...Love is OF You. We love, because You first loved us. My love cannot love my enemies and do good to those who spitefully use me. My love cannot love those who say all kinds of evil against me. My love can only love me...my love is selfish and always seeks its own. Your love is sacrificial...it is good and gracious to all! You send rain on the evil and the good. Your love was demonstrated toward me when I was still Your enemy. When I was helpless, hopeless and against You, You died for me! I cannot generate this kind of love on my own...it is a gift from You. Your love sacrificed Your Son and made a way in the darkness for me. Your love endured the cross and paid the price for my redemption.
I surrender to You, Father and I invite Your Spirit to take control, govern my heart and produce the fruits of righteousness to Your praise and glory! Ministry apart from Your Spirit is empty, vain and meaningless. Guard and clothe all my words, thoughts and actions with Your love. Your goodness...Your active love toward me is what led me to repentance. Help me to demonstrate that kind of love to those You place in my life.
Let all I do be done in love!!
