Jesus was—and is—known for his love. That’s not only a clear teaching in the gospels; it’s also a common perception among people who know little about the Christian faith. But if we really want to know Jesus, we have to ask: what kind of love? Mere sentimentality or something more? Affirmation and acceptance or something much more challenging? A pat on the back or a shock to the system?
We have to remember that Jesus didn’t just build people up. He also unraveled some, tore down their assumptions, confronted their false selves in an effort to break through to the true. As much as he loved, we also see that he condemned—particularly in the face of hypocrisy. He was on a mission to deconstruct self-righteousness and offer God-given righteousness in its place.
Blessed are those who experience the warmth of Jesus’ love. But even more blessed are those who are also willing to be confronted by it without pulling away. Offer yourself; let him tear down the parts of your life he wants to tear down and build up the parts he wants to build up. Let his love do its hard, beautiful work in you. Every bit of it is for your ultimate, eternal good.
