Go In Love: Lessons from Gethsemane's Garden

Jesus, the Son of God, knelt in Gethsemane, his heart weighed down by the immense burden of what was to come. He knew the pain, the betrayal, and the brutal agony that awaited him. He also knew that the weight of the world's sin would soon be placed upon him. In that moment of profound human vulnerability, He cried out, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42) This was not a moment of weakness—it was a moment of raw, authentic love.

Imagine the conflict. The Son of God, who had walked on water and healed the sick, faced a choice: to avoid unimaginable suffering or to embrace it for the sake of humanity. He wrestled with his feelings, expressing his deepest desire, and Overcoming his human flesh.

We often think of love as a feeling, a warm emotion that lifts us up. But in Gethsemane, we see love as an act of surrender. It's the willingness to lay down our own desires, our own comfort, for something greater.

"Not My Will, But Yours"

Those simple words, "not my will, but yours," are a powerful testament to Jesus's love and obedience. He chose to drink the cup of suffering, not because he wanted to, but because it was the Father's will. He chose love over self-preservation. And in choosing love, he gave us the ultimate gift of salvation.

Going In Love Today

How often do we face our own "Gethsemane moments?" Moments when we're asked to sacrifice, to forgive, to extend grace when it's the hardest thing to do?

Perhaps it's forgiving someone who has deeply hurt us. Maybe it's putting aside our own ambitions to serve others. Or it;s simply choosing kindness in a world that often feels harsh.

I recently was faced with a "Gethsemane moment." A time where I needed to extend grace to a person who I only knew as a person who brings deep hurt into my life. When I got their message my initial reaction was "nope! I'm not going to reply, I want nothing to do with them." I knew this reaction was my flesh speaking. I needed to pray and ask God how He wanted me to respond to this person because after all I've surrendered my will for His. After a day of prayer and truly seeking the Lord I felt led to reply, but to guard my heart. I was obedient and was quickly able to see that this interaction was not sent by God. In the past I would have fallen for their deception and would have exposed myself to even more hurt. Even though I didn't want to reply and the interaction didn't end with restoration, I believe that God still used me to show them His goodness. That person was met with undeserving love. I pray that God continues to show them the same undeserving love that He has shown me. That type of love is what breaks the yokes of bondage. As for me, I was willing to "go" even though I didn't want to, I  was willing to go in love and give God my yes!

Jesus's example in the garden teaches us that:

* Love is a choice, not just a feeling. It requires us to actively choose to put others before ourselves, even when it's difficult.

* Surrender is an act of love. Letting go of our own desires and trusting in God can be the most loving thing we do.

* Love is stronger than fear. Even in the face of immense suffering, love can prevail.

We may not face the same burden as Jesus did in Gethsemane, but we all have opportunities to "go in love." To choose compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness, even when it's challenging.

Let us remember the garden. Let us remember the struggle and the surrender. And let us strive to emulate Jesus's love, choosing to say, "not my will, but yours," in our own lives.

Let us go in love.

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