Last month on the blog we began to look at what it means to love like Jesus in a cross-cultural setting. We unpacked three facets of Jesus’ love that we tend to overlook when serving others in a context and background very different from our own. (Be sure to check that article out here.) Today we look at three more aspects of Jesus’ love that can transform us and others even more into His likeness:
4. Jesus loved by teaching hard things:
Let’s read a quick excerpt from Matthew 24.
“As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:1-14)
How is this an example of loving others well? Jesus didn’t avoid hard topics and even warnings of what was to come. What He shared came from the intense love He had for them. He wanted them to be fully prepared for what they would experience. He cared so much that he took the time needed to explain difficult things while also giving hope for the result.
Have you shared with anyone lately what is to come when this life is over? Do those you spend time with know how to prepare to walk out a victorious life in God’s kingdom amid increasing darkness? Consider what hard topics you may be avoiding and ask the Lord to bring revelation in how you might approach discussion with others.
In a cross-cultural setting, remember to be mindful of teaching the Scriptures out of our own cultural norms and pre-conceptions of what we know to be true. Engage in these topics carefully and with great prayer and discernment. And always remain a learner, realizing we can take away new knowledge and insights from others as well.
5. Jesus loved by complete obedience:
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 9:42-44)
We see in Scripture that Jesus was in anguish, with drops of sweat like blood, as He fully surrendered to God’s will over his. Jesus’ obedience to the Father set the stage for all that would come; His death and resurrection, our forgiveness of sins, redemption, deliverance, and ultimate gift of eternal life. In the same way, our complete obedience to the Father’s will over our own desires sets things into motion for the Kingdom of God and can literally be life or death to those He is sending us to and the things He has purposed for us to do.
This level of surrender comes with a cost that most aren’t willing to pay. However, Jesus set a painful yet beautiful example of what can happen if we are fully given over to God’s purposes. You might say, “I am already living an obedient life.” Perhaps you have sold everything and followed Jesus to the nations. Or maybe you are putting your hands to local mission work daily in a cross-cultural setting. Isn’t that enough?
Think of the rich, young ruler. Is there an area of your life that you still have a tight grip on and aren’t fully ready to let go? Maybe there is an even bolder step that God has been calling you into, and it’s time to give your “all-in-yes.” What awaits on the other side of your complete surrender is more beautiful and rewarding than you could ever imagine.
6. Jesus loved by healing all who came to Him:
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” (Matt. 4:23)
When we have the resurrected Christ living inside of us, we can offer hope to all who we encounter. What we carry within us is no small matter. It is the Kingdom of God and should impact all those around us 100% of the time. Sure, we have tough days or difficult situations that can cause hindrances. But more often than not, we should see a Heavenly difference in every environment we step into as carriers of God’s presence and glory.
One practical way to prepare ourselves to steward well the relationships God gives us is to start thanking Him now for each person you will encounter as you go. Ask Him to reveal the truth of what you carry inside, for specific strategies on how to apply it practically when He brings someone into your path, and for your display of His kingdom to be honoring and beautiful to the culture around you––for His glory.
Why is it important to consider the more difficult facets of how Jesus loved? Because we often connect with and choose to apply those that make us least uncomfortable. The challenge is we only lead people into the parts of Jesus’ love that we find the easiest to walk in. But this approach is a barrier to a full transformation into the likeness of Christ, for both us and for them.
As you engage in relationships, ask the Lord to show you any areas of His heart that you’ve been withholding from others in how you love them. Then, as He reveals, ask Him to guide you with wisdom as you walk out applying these new displays of His heart to the world around you.
