How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I don't know how many of you
remember this sonnet by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, but it is something
that I remember quite well from the days of my youth. I was sitting on the
couch, hard at work on this week's TV program, and just couldn't get that
verse out of my mind. It is a beautiful expression of love, but I would like to
take a little liberty with it this morning and ask what if Jesus was writing
those lines to us today? It might sound something like this.
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, even when you can't stand Me in your sight
I love thee and call thee everyday
As I come near, you push Me away.
I love thee freely, as men strive
to get Me and My Father out of their lives;
I love thee purely, as you seek thy own praise.
I love thee and wait for thee all of your days.
I love thee with a boundless love
I was sent by My Father from above.
To teach you, and heal you where ever you roam,
The way I make clear, I'll shepherd you home
Many of us stand on the promise of that love. It powers us through our lives.
As Christians, we are assured that we will be persecuted, and Jesus showed
us His example there also. In love, He called to His Father in heaven to say,
"“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Jesus knew the meaning of love. He said In John 15:13, "Greater love has no
one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." And He lived that very
statement!
He commanded us to love one another! Obeying that command can be difficult,
but not impossible. Let's all show more love, and glorify our Father in heaven.
Have a great Tuesday!
