The love of Christ is epitomized in the words of Jesus; “Not My will but Yours be done.”
Christ is a God of love and compassion. The love of Christ is demonstrated in convicting you of sin. This is an endless process. You see yourself for who you are.
The love of Christ causes you to examine your motives. You quickly learn that you are a self driven person and can never come close to the holiness of Christ.
The love of Christ puts you through severe testing. He wants to break your self reliance and desire to live for self.
The love of Christ does not protect you from the world; it provides you with wisdom and peace to deal with the challenges of life.
Christ will never allow you to frame Him as a predictable God. He thinks and acts unlike you and His ways will always mystify you.
Christ wants your devotion to Him above all else. He works in diverse ways to create your obedience and loyalty to Him.
At times, Christ will seem harsh and aloof. This a part of His learning process.
Christ knows you better than you know yourself. His purpose is to do a deep work within your personality to refine you into the character of Christ. This can be very painful at times. You are forced to see your inner self and you become filled with remorse over your sinful condition and actions.
Christ wants you to live with Him through the Holy Spirit. Walk with God in your “born again” identity as a new creature in Christ Jesus. This is where you will find the life of the transfigured Christ.
The love of Christ lives in the moments of your life. Forget the mountaintop experience and find Him in the ordinary and difficult moments of life. He thrives in meeting you in the challenges of everyday life.
The overriding goal of Christ is to teach you to live by faith. He wants you to believe in the promises of God and not what you see with your eyes. And, the promises of God come by faith and are not influenced by your works, good deeds, or keeping laws.
Faith is the biggest obstacle for all believers. Your natural tendency is to try and please God through works. And, religion teaches you to substitute works and laws for faith in Christ.
Without faith you cannot please God!
Hal Hollister Ministry 