Live generously, love wastefully

The Mar. 15, 2016 edition of CCM Magazine

A former colleague permanently planted that quote, “Live generously, and love wastefully,” underneath the signature line on his emails. As I prepare for the release of the March 15, 2016 edition of CCM Magazine, admittedly, I have just two things on my mind: 1) Getting married this Saturday, and 2) Easter Sunday (March 27).

As my fiance, Kimberly, and I have been preparing for our big day for the last several months, it wasn’t until this week that I began to think about the correlation between Christ’s ultimate act of love, and marriage. Jesus said, (John 15:12-14, MSG) This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. You are my friends when you do the things I command you.

Thankfully, most Americans don’t live in a daily reality where we have to think about our spouse in the context of life or death—at least, not yet. But Christ came to earth, and each day He lived, knowing that the cross was on the horizon. This act of love cost Him something (everything), allowing each of us to receive a most awesome gift.

As I think about actively loving my soon-to-be spouse, I hope I always remember Jesus’ reminder, that This is the very best way to love. Am I loving wastefully—is it costing me something? He died so that we may fully live.

Blessings,