“Only the gospel gives us the security (of union with Christ) to risk reputation and hurt in order to love others sacrificially and boldly.”- Jared C. Wilson
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”- Romans 12:12
Jared Wilson continues Chapter 7 of The Imperfect Disciple with the first three of Nine Irrefutable Laws of Followship. Furthermore, Pastor Wilson stresses that these laws really are God’s laws – and His promises.
1. Be Ye Loving. Left to our own devices, all of us center on our own fulfillment and happiness. Hence, we’re unable to muster up the energy to love the way we ought to. In fact, more often than not, we focus on people’s love for us rather than on our love for other people. Therefore, Pastor Wilson adds:
“Only the gospel orients our love appropriately, because only the gospel reminds us that we are more sinful than we realize . . . and that we are more loved than we know . . .”
2. Be Ye Joyful. Although we think of joy as a feeling, Jared notes, the Bible defines joy as “both a command of the law and an implication of the gospel.” As a result, Jared explains the source of our joy:
“God is not expecting us to muster up happiness in him from the void of some nebulous religions inclinations, from the black hole of our empty emotional reservoir. He puts the joy inside of us that he demands from us. What grace!”
3. Be Ye Peaceful. Jared notes that the world , set against our peace, wants us desperately afraid. And the truth is, the author adds, there’s always something to fear. Also, the more the things of God bore us, the more vulnerable we are to fear when difficulty comes.
However, over time, as we walk with Jesus, we start to see how much He loves us and more of the ways He works in the world. Jared adds that “the impulse to rest in him becomes more immediate. The heart’s ‘muscle memory’ toward the gospel gets stronger and quicker.”
Today’s question: What Scriptures empower you to love others sacrificially and boldly? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Impatience – confusion about control”
