29th August

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. 1 John 3, 16

Motivated by love

What can motivate us to live for Jesus Christ? It is neither the feeling of duty nor the statement of guilt in regard to our setbacks and failures. No, only love for him is a sufficient motivation. He stimulates us without obliging us.

Since the love for Jesus should be the inexhaustible strength of our christian life how can we experience this love? By reading and meditating the Bible. The Holy Spirit pours out God's love in our heart when we are concerned by the Lord Jesus, by his life on earth and by his present act for the Gospel and for the Church. When we think of the blessings of the Gospel we are surprised and amazed. The apostle Paul wrote: "Christ's love embraces us." What a mighty stimulating to live for him!

The feeling of duty will never cause such a desire. Only love can do this. If we wish to progress in our lives for God, we always need to have our eyes fixed on Jesus. Every day we should remember that our sins are forgiven by Christ's death. This will keep us from being discouraged by the feeling of our guilt and being dominated by the pride of our own justice. The Gospel fills us with joy when we know this grace. God wants to do good for us, not because we are good but because of his Son. We are associated with him for eternity.