Imitation of Christ Book 1 Chapter 15

The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempis

Book 1 -Admonitions Profitable for the Spiritual Life

Chapter 15 Of Works of Charity

My all time favorite movie as a child was Princess Bride.  I dreamed of the day I would find true love and live happily ever after.  While I did marry my prince in shining armor and am generally pleased with the way my life has turned out, I have also learned that true love wasn’t what I thought it was.  It’s not a fuzzy feeling in your toes or a rapid pulse.  It’s not even having the perfect companion who dotes on your every wish.  Actually, it’s quite the opposite.

True love is a sacrifice. It is the smallest act done in love.  True love is serving others and not yourself.  I’m thinking of the woman in the Bible who gave all she had.  You can read about her here.  If you do something for someone else with the hope of recognition or repayment, you haven’t done it in love.

The greatest love sacrifice was Jesus laying down His life for us. We don’t deserve it.  He did it not because He got anything in return but because He loved us.

True love doesn’t seek it’s own good. When you desire God to be glorified over you and your wants, you will find true love.

Thank you, Jesus for the ultimate gift of love.

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