"The Love of Jesus" - 3

The bottom line in this message is that Jesus Christ is all about unity: unity in the Spirit, unity in Love, unity in the Body of Christ, and unity with the Father. He came to die on the cross for our sins that we could be united with the Father through Him. Now how important do you think unity is to Jesus? This goes hand in hand with marriage and the love between a husband and wife, because the love that they have formed in the marriage relationship goes beyond the simple love that we express in courtships or even affairs; it is based on unity, where the two become one. If you watched the movie Fireproof, then you might remember the part where his friend glues the salt and pepper shakers together, demonstrating the bond of marriage; that now that they have been bonded, pulling them apart will damage one or the other, or both. (If you have not seen this movie, you should!) The reason that the meaning of the husband and wife becoming one is so important, is that we, as the body of Christ, are His bride which He has won through the suffering and death on the cross. This is not just an analogy or a type, but is the reason for His sacrifice that He gave; that He could purchase us with His blood, and that we would be His bride, for all eternity. Now, if we are to become the 'perfect' man in Christ which Paul mentions in Ephesians 4:13, then we must come to the knowledge of this unity of the faith, and not just by knowing it, but by living it. Which, if you really what to know how to live it, the greatest illustration that Paul gives is in 1 Corinthians 13; with a focus on Love, and the understanding of who we are in Christ, we are made perfect and complete in the Love of Jesus. His Love was that of sacrifice, which is not selfish, but in the same manor was also for Himself; in other words, His goal was to purchase a glorious bride for all eternity, which required that He give of Himself to accomplish that goal. Our goal is also that of unity, and it too will require us to give of ourselves and to not want our own pleasures at the expense of others, especially our brother and sisters, or our spouse. For the most part, I know what I have been called to do, and that is to care for my wife; to love her, and cherish her, and smoother her in prayer, God's Word, and praise. However, this calling has many parts, and everyone of them are to be in unity with Christ and must express His love for the church; which means that I am subject to being a prisoner of the Lord in the wake of my calling... God is in control!!! "When I was a child, I spake as a child: but when I became a man (perfect or complete), I put away childish things (things which are done out of ignorance). For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as I am known. And now abideth faith (firm persuasion), hope (good expectation), charity (Agape: affectionate regard), these three (are joined together as one); but the greatest of these is charity (LOVE)." (1 Corinthians 13:11-13)