Dear conqueror in Christ:
Let me take this wonderful opportunity to remind you that love is your DNA for Christlikeness. To put it simply, DNA contains our hereditary material and our genes, the things that make us unique. Love is the DNA that makes us unique as children of God. Jesus affirms it when he said: “‘By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35). Love thus defines our identity. It also enables us to be conformed to the likeness of Christ according to God’s will. Let’s consider how Christ models for us a healthy, purposeful and meaningful lifestyle through love.
To begin with, Christ shows us that love is self-sacrifice. The apostle John testifies to this fact by saying: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16 6). In the second place, Jesus shows that love is sympathy with others in their needs and pains. On the occasion of Lazarus’ death, “Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” (John 11:35-36). In the third place, love is also expressed through compassion. The gospel of Matthew records: “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” (Matt 14:14). Keeping with love as your DNA, show love like Christ through self-sacrifice, sympathy and compassion while enjoying a meaningful and purposeful life.
Excelsior
Bishop Leon