Ephesians 5:2 - “Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

It is strange that love, which is the source of the greatest happiness, should also be the cause of the most intense suffering. Suffering always follows when love seeks to save the object of its love. It is only by suffering that love can gain its end and so attain the highest happiness.

By suffering, Christ bore the sins of the whole world. Love in the midst of suffering manifested the greatest glory and attained its end perfectly.

Love worthy of the name manifests itself in a life of continual self-sacrifice. Love gives strength to endure, whatever the circumstances. Loving others may mean tears, heartache, and much persevering in prayer, but love overcomes all obstacles.

Do you long to know the love of Christ in all its fullness? Then yield yourself to him. Think of yourself as a vessel through which the highest love can reach its aim. Begin to suffer with and intercede for those around you. Eventually, you will realize what this life of love is.

Prayer: Lord, relationships are hard, but you know that. When my feelings are hurt or my heart is wounded by someone I love, help me to persevere in prayer and allow your love to overcome all obstacles standing in my way. Amen
(From Andrew Murray’s devotional, The Love That Suffers.)

-AP