The Love of the Cross
The Love of the Cross
(Ephesians 5:2)
The greatest thing we should imitate from Christ is the love revealed in His redemption on the cross. God desires that we walk in this love. He wants that the pattern of our lives reflect the character of Christ.
1. Sacrificial Love
Christ’s love is not for Himself but rather a love that gave up Himself. Christ gave up His own authority by Himself to practice love. What He bestowed such love is not because we deserved to receive it or because He has some benefit in return. Even if He might not receive love in return from us, He chose to love us.
2. A Beautiful Fragrance
The Lord became a fragrant offering and sacrifice before God. Among the sacrifices made by Israelites, the sacrifices of gratitude included the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the peace offering. These offerings burned on the altar were described as a fragrant aroma to God. However, the sin offering and the guilt offering, which involved sacrificing, were not described as a fragrant aroma. This is because they pointed to the sacrifice of Christ, who bore the sin of humanity. However, Christ rose from the dead and became the One who conquered sin. Through this, His act of love became a fragrant aroma that fills not only the entire world but also heaven.
3. The Way Embraced by Grace
The grace we have received is the blessing granted to us through Christ’s desperate death. The freedom and peace we enjoy, God’s help, our reconciled relationship with Him, and the chance to rise again after we fall—all of these have been given to us through Christ’s sacrifice. Let us, who have received such unconditional love, now walk in that love. Let us follow the Son of God, who loved us to the point of giving up His body for us. With sacrificial love, let us glorify the Lord and become a fragrant aroma to the Father.
October 13, 2024
Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
Message Sum Up Video of It
Likeness
Likeness
(Ephesians 5:1)
Children share a likeness with their parents, not only in appearance but also in character. This is because children imitate their parents and learn the patterns of life. When children understand and appreciate their parents’ love, they grow to resemble their parents even more.
1. Likeness in Love
As children loved by God, we should bear a likeness to Him. God, who is rich in mercy and compassion, unconditionally forgave us who stood against Him. Moreover, He gave His Son as a sacrificial offering to forgive us. Who could ever doubt such love or question its sincerity? As those who have become children of God, what we must imitate is that very love, and also the unconditional forgiveness that can only be made possible through His love.
2. Likeness in Forgiveness
Forgive up to seventy times seven! This command is based on the truth that God atoned for all of humanity’s sins, not just a portion of them. This includes even the sin committed by another member that causes us pain. The Lord has already paid the price for that sin. So, is it right for us to seek revenge for something God has already forgiven? Doing so would be to bring back a matter that Christ has already resolved, which would ultimately be no different from disregarding His sacrifice and refusing to acknowledge its worth.
3. Likeness in Patience
The depth of forgiveness reveals the depth of love. “Have fervent love for one another!” This command urges us to persevere in love, even when it is difficult and painful. Someone may act rudely, behave with hostility, or cause us pain, but we must endure for the benefit of the church rather than retaliate. Of course, actions that threaten the stability or continuation of the church must be addressed appropriately, but in other situations, we must be patient. God is love. Let us walk in love as His forgiven children.
October 6, 2024
Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim