Fervent Love in Fiery Trials
“We respond to His greatest sacrifice by being that people who chooses love above every other thing.”
The Upper Room discourse was the closing moment Jesus had with His close disciples before being handed over into the hands of the Roman Empire. Jesus knew that there will be a great falling away and it will be one of the most difficult and darkest times for His disciples. His final few words to the disciples in preparation for the darkest moment of human history was to love one another the way He loves us, and He modelled this sacrificial love by breaking bread with His disciples and washing their feet.
The days leading to the Day of the Lord will be increasingly dark and trying. The only way to combat a love growing cold is for us to remain fervent in love for one another, bearing with one another and pursuing unity in the Spirit. Yet we are not left to fend for ourselves; the Great High Priest continues to intercede for us to be one so that all flesh will see the glory of Christ through a corporate people joined with Him.
Scripture: John 13-17, 1 Cor 13, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4, Rev 12:11.
Reflection questions:
What do we have to do to keep our hearts unoffended?
Why does love triumph above all? How can this love sustain us to the end of time?