The House That Love Built – May 20, 2019

“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34

The House That Love Built

When I was younger, I remember visiting McDonald’s and seeing a little plastic coin bin on the counter. It said, “The house that love built.” The coins would go to support the Ronald McDonald house. Love for those people, in the form of coins given, built a house for those young cancer patients and their families to stay in during treatments.

It’s not hard to love cancer patients and their families. Those are clearly people who need love, help, and support. But what about people who aren’t so lovable? What about us? We like to think of ourselves as pretty lovable. But truth be told, we do not love God as he commands. And, we do not love others as ourselves. Because of our sinful attitudes and actions, we are neither loving nor lovable.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We are the recipients of something better than coins. We get to live in the house that love built—not a physical building, but a spiritual home where we live by faith. When we were lost in sin, Jesus found us and brought us home. When we were in trouble with God, Jesus took our sins away and forgave us. When we were dead in sin, Jesus loved us, welcomed us into his family, and gave us a loving home.

Now, Jesus tells us, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Remembering Jesus’ sacrifice for you, sacrifice your own wishes and desires in order to love and serve those around you today. It will show the world that, thanks to Jesus, you live in the spiritual house that love built.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your rich, selfless love. You loved me when I was unlovable. You gave me a loving home, where I have forgiveness from you. Teach me to love as you have loved me. Amen.