The Risk of Love

Some things in life are worth taking a risk. Some things we just cannot pass up. So, we take a deep breath and jump. Those times when we jump out can either be the most beautiful or the most heart-wrenching—and we never know which one it is until the end.

Jesus took a risk for us, a self-less, heart-wrenching risk. And it seemed as though His risk failed. To the world, it did. But in truth, Jesus’ risk was no failure. Actually, it was the greatest accomplishment the world has ever seen.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Jesus laid down His life for the world. To men, it may have seemed like the most foolish risk; yet, it was the greatest love.

Jesus gave absolutely everything; and yet, He still gave man the ability to choose or reject His love.

There is no greater pain in the world than the rejection of wholehearted love. That’s the way Jesus feels every time one of His children walks away from Him. But the good news is that Jesus promised He would never reject wholehearted love from us.

Love is the ultimate risk. It makes you do things that you never would do otherwise. There is no fear in love. There is no failure in love. Love never fails. Love also never seeks its own. It is never arrogant or selfish. Love hopes. Love believes. Love is patient. Love waits.

Love never imposes itself on the freewill of another. Love allows choice. Love allows time. Love allows distance, but always wants to be close.

We may take daring risks with things in the natural world without ever daring a risk of the heart. A risk of the heart is one of the most vulnerable risks possible. It is the risk of hope, risk of faith, and risk of love that matter the most. But the greatest of these is love. It’s worth the risk.