Attractive Love
Last week marked a big victory! Audrey is holding an 11-day old baby girl. It was just six months prior that we first met this couple with divorce papers in hand, facing an unwanted reality of an affair resulting in a pregnancy. They had little to no hope but were willing to trust us to lead them to a future they could not see themselves.
After months of hard work, tears and sleepless nights this couple and their now three children are entering a new season of life. There are some tough days yet ahead but they are experiencing grace! They now see the promises and truth of God becoming their reality and it is glorious. That’s attractive love.
“So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.” ( Romans 8:28 Passion)
I’m honored to be sharing this story with you. It’s the attractive love of God that transforms one's heart, giving new purpose for life. The reality of the resurrection always has and always will fill the people of God with boldness to obey His word at great cost to themselves, for the good of all persons involved, and to the honor and worship of King Jesus.
“If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” (Matt. 10:39 NLT)
Because of the NEW life we have in Jesus, I want people to be curious about why we’re kind, considerate and gracious. That’s attractive love.
People need to wonder why you value the broken, poor and marginalized and use your finances, life, and time to help them (even if they never change). That’s attractive love. People should marvel that your family is marked by mercy, forgiveness and is a haven of safety and belonging. That’s attractive love.
When you read the gospels, this incredible Jesus wants to give in exchange all he has for all of you. He isn’t asking for a part of your life, He invites you to, “come follow me.” He calls us to lifestyles that would make no sense without the reality of the resurrection. If there’s nothing more coming for us, then why should we risk anything? Why not try to find a way we can follow Jesus and lose nothing?
Our daily solution is to get your eyes off of ourself. Finding the truth of our identity in Christ allows one to make possible reconciliation with others. Following Jesus isn't a set of rules, it's a lifeline out of sin and destruction. The truth of the resurrection is the eternal future that Jesus has secured for us, that He promises for us and that He will bring to pass for us that will cause you to keep giving yourself away. That’s attractive love.
When reading the Bible I attempt to place myself within the story. One of the most impactful scenes is with Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers. No one was more adamant and outspoken of his love and devotion and yet when confronted about his relationship with Jesus he denied that he ever knew him (Luke 22:54-62).
No matter the strength of your devotion in a relationship we all need mercy. Jesus knew that it was crucial for Peter to know that He had chosen him. Peter needed to understand that although he had forsaken Jesus, Jesus had not forsaken him (Rom. 8:31-39). God is not asking you to make a promise you cannot keep. God is asking you to believe the promise that only He can keep.
“But Christ proved God’s passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly!” (Romans 5:8 Passion).
“Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children.” (1John 3:1 Passion)
Thank you. For it is your faithfulness and generous support that helps rescue countless couples in need. Because of you we are able reach more with the true hope of the resurrection found in Jesus!
He is Alive therefore we live,
Bob and Audrey