Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5:2 (MSG)

It is important to note that Christ does not love like we love. We love for reciprocation – we exchange our love for the other person’s love. However, Christ loves us without expectation of anything in return. As a matter of fact, scripture declares that, “God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

In the above scripture, we are told to observe – notice/perceive how Christ loved us. How did He love us? The scripture states that He was not cautious or careful with His love, but He was extravagant; He was over-the-top; He was overgenerous with His love for us. Listen, Christ did not love us in order to get something from us, but to give everything of Himself to us – even His own life. “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

After the scripture describes how Christ loved us, we are told to love like that – love just as Christ loved us. We are to be generous with our love. We are to love because that is what Christ did for us – not for any ulterior motives. We are to love because when we were sinking in sin, it was Christ’s love that lifted us. We are to love because that is how we are identified with Christ. “By this (love) shall all men know that you are my disciples (followers), if you have love one to another.” John 13:35.  We are to love because Christ commanded us to love. “A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34.  Again, we are instructed to love like that – as Christ has loved us.