How Reckless Is Your Love for Jesus?
How Reckless Is Your Love for Jesus?
Luke 15:3-7, John 21:17, Mark 12:29-31
The Reckless Love of Jesus
The song “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury beautifully captures the love of Jesus:
“Oh, it chases me down, fights till I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine.”
This lyric is inspired by Luke 15:3-7, where Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. His love is so personal and relentless that He will leave the ninety-nine safe sheep to go after the one who is lost.
Jesus’ love is unconditional, unfailing, and unmatched. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, His love will never forsake you. He chases you down until you are found.
The question is:
Do you love Jesus with the same reckless abandon?
The Test of Your Love for Jesus
It is not enough to say, “I love Jesus.” The depth of your love for Him is revealed in how you treat others—the ninety-nine.
Matthew 7:12 teaches us:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
If you truly love Jesus—the One—you must care for His sheep—the ninety-nine. This includes:
People in need.
People still living in sin.
People who may not even love you back.
John 21:17 reminds us of Jesus’ words to Peter:
“Simon, son of John, do you love me? … Then feed my sheep.”
Loving Jesus Means Loving Others
When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, His response connected loving God with loving others:
Mark 12:29-31:
“The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength means putting Him first in every area of your life.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means treating others with the same grace, compassion, and forgiveness you’ve received from Jesus.
How Do You Treat the “One” and the “Ninety-Nine”?
Your treatment of “The One” (Jesus) determines how you treat the “Ninety-Nine” (people around you).
If your love for Jesus is genuine, it will overflow into your actions toward others.
Here’s how you can show reckless love for Jesus and others:
Care for the Needy
- Look for opportunities to bless those who are less fortunate. Proverbs 19:17:
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”
- Look for opportunities to bless those who are less fortunate. Proverbs 19:17:
Forgive Freely
- Just as Jesus forgives you, extend forgiveness to others, even when it’s hard.
Pray for the Lost
- Pray for those who are far from God, and ask Him to use you to lead them back to Him.
Speak Words of Life
- Use your words to encourage, build up, and speak truth, rather than to criticize or condemn.
Be Compassionate
- Show empathy and understanding toward those who are struggling, just as Jesus does for you.
Practical Ways to Love Jesus Recklessly
Spend Time With Him
- Dedicate time daily to prayer, worship, and studying His Word. Show Him He is your priority.
Obey His Commands
John 14:15:
“If you love me, keep my commands.”Loving Jesus means living according to His Word, not just speaking about it.
Love Without Conditions
- Love others the way Jesus loves you—without expecting anything in return.
Serve Others Faithfully
- Be the hands and feet of Jesus by serving those in need, both spiritually and physically.
Point People to Jesus
- Share the gospel with boldness and compassion, so others can experience His love.
A Prayer of Reckless Love
“Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me with a reckless and unconditional love. Teach me to love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me to care for others with the same compassion You have shown me. May my actions reflect my love for You, and may my life bring glory to Your name. Jesus, I surrender all to You. Let my love for You be evident in how I treat others. In Your precious name, Amen.”
Final Encouragement
Remember, it is how you treat the One (Jesus) that determines how you will treat the Ninety-Nine (others).
Love Jesus recklessly by loving others selflessly. Be a reflection of His love to a world that desperately needs it.
Good Morning 🌄 and PROSPER ✨️ today!
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