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ACTION ROOTED IN LOVE (MATTHEW 11:1-15)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “action rooted in love” Action rooted in love means love expressed through action as opposed to it being merely expressed through speech or emotions. Jesus throughout His earthly ministry even to the point of death had demonstrated beyond human comprehension His compassion and unconditional love for all. “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” (Matthew 11:2-5). In other words, Jesus’ actions are rooted in love for all who come to Him. His love for people led to their liberation and deliverance. Jesus takes nothing from us but gives us all that we need including our salvation.

Dear friend, to prove that Jesus’ action is rooted in love, before He began His public ministry in Luke’s account of the Gospel, “He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16-21). Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s love for humanity. Unlike many African politicians and leaders, whose actions are motivated by political expediency rather than love, especially, during political campaigns and election periods, Jesus’ action is rooted in love always. Unlike many people whose actions are rooted or motivated by their lust or desire for wealth, money and power, Jesus’ actions are always rooted in unconditional love. In recent times, some men and women seeking greener pastures pretend to fall in love with partners staying abroad just to secure visas and green cards, immediately they succeed, they divorce them. Such an unfortunate action is rooted in selfishness and betrayal, not love. The only person whose actions towards us are selfless, worth emulatory and rooted in love is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He has taught us that, “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:12-13).

Dear friend, our actions are not rooted in love unless we love one another the same way Jesus loved and ultimately sacrificed Himself for our salvation on the cross. His love is eternal and continues to abide with us. Sometimes, it is hard to love others, especially in a situation where the very people we love turn against us or become our enemies. Regardless of the situation we find ourselves in, Jesus has taught us root our actions in His unconditional love. He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-45)

In summary we have discovered that Jesus did not only come into the world to preach love but He is love personified and His action and ministry in rooted in love and the gift of salvation to anyone who is willing to accept Him as Lord and Saviour. Let us reflect the perfect example and image of our Lord Jesus Christ. Shalom.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, help us to love others including our enemies the same way You have loved us. May every action of ours be rooted in your unconditional love. Amen.