New Life

     He is risen! The Lord, Jesus, is alive and well, in full glory, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Death has been defeated, no longer our enemy. Let everything in you resound with the words, “HE IS RISEN!”  Hallelujah!

     Easter blessings can follow us throughout our days. Living our lives to glorify Christ can get us through. Even our tough times can be an opportunity to share Him with others, to show who He is and what He can do through us. Let the light of the resurrection shine in your life, as Easter remains in our souls, as our hope for eternity.

     Jesus humbled Himself and sacrificed Himself for us. Sacrificial love is rare these days. We want to do our own thing, live for ourselves, for our comfort, for our good times. Sacrificial love brings the greatest blessings, both to others and, in return, back to us.

     How will others know we are His disciples? Let’s allow the Lord, Himself, to explain.

“A new commandment I give you. Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

     This love goes beyond romantic love or the love of a friend. This love is for everyone. Your enemies? Again, here is Jesus.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

     Impossible, you say? Me, too. Only with the grace of God, with the love of Christ, with the power of the Holy Spirit, will we have the strength to love and pray for our enemies.

Jesus,

You are alive and we wait to be with You. Give us the power and the strength and the wisdom to love, to show others the kind of love You first gave us, the power over death, to new life.

Amen