The Jesus Way

What would it look like to be so emptied of self that you could factor in the betrayal and never lose your love?

Jesus modeled perfect love and showed us the heart of the Father revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Jesus never shielded himself from suffering because of love but continually opened himself, even knowing that one of the ones He chose would ultimately betray Him. From this, we see that perfect love never considers rejection as a motivation. Perfect love is an action that has no demand of reciprocation. Self-preservation never enters the heart of perfect love. 

Some may say, “You can’t let people walk on you.” 

Then, I’m reminded of what Jesus said from His sermon on the mount. 

“It’s not eye for an eye, don’t repay evil for evil.”

“Whoever would slap you (insult) turn the other cheek.”

“When they ask you to carry the burden one mile, go two.”

“Bless the one who curses you and do something wonderful for the one who hates you.”

“Forgive the faults of others so that your Father in heaven will forgive you.”

Then, a provocative question like this;

“How are we different from others if you limit your kindness to your friends?”

The inner work of perfect love is anything but passive. It demands a heart-level exchange between what is insignificant and what is eternal. This eternal love was present in the circle of Father, Son, and Spirit before the foundation of the world. Perfect love casts away fear so that you are free to have an other-centered love that feels no need to defend self but continually reveals the strength of transformative kindness. 

Maybe a person of this kind of love is what Dostoyevsky meant when he said, “Beauty will save the world.”

I’m not saying, “I’m there.” But I am saying, “I’m on the way.”