Back in day, the movie “Love Story” was released much to the delight of romantics everywhere. It tells the story of lovers from different social classes and their adventures leading up to the movie’s most memorable line: “Love means never having to say you are sorry.” This statement is wonderful except for one small detail: it isn’t the least bit true! True love is more than pat phrases, giddy feelings or heart-shaped boxes. True love requires commitment and sacrifice; it means looking past one's self interest for the sake of another.
The love referenced in this text was demonstrated in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The love described here is not the stuff of romantic movies or novels; it is costly and paid with blood. If ever a love story needs to be told – this is it! God’s love is not based on our goodness or badness, doing good deeds, where we were born or how we look; it is based on His greatness! We cannot do enough good works or read enough scripture to earn His love because it is freely given to anyone and everyone willing to receive it. Yes, this love is to die for – astounding isn’t it?
Christ did not come to earth to condemn us or layer on more rules and regulations; He came to set us free! Some of us are so busy abiding by the “letter of the law” that we have forgotten the “spirit and intent “of the law. The law was put in place to point to point us to Jesus - not to become the spiritual equivalent of a fifty pound bag of boulders we are to lug around. Christ has removed the weight from our shoulders. "He whom the Son has set free, is free indeed!" Jesus wants us to love Him as He loves us, for when we give Him our hearts, He will give us eternal life. And that, my friends, is a love story worth telling!
As we enter the season of Lent, may we meditate on what it means to love and to be loved in ways perhaps we have never fully considered – though the eyes of our Savior. May this season be one of light, hope and love.
Amen and amen.
*Revised Standard Version
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