Love and Sacrifice.
Jesus Christ, a real man that lived on this earth, suffered and died for me. Jesus Christ is more than just a man; He is my Savior. Not only did Jesus suffer in the garden of Gethsemane, but He suffered great amounts before the garden and even more after the garden. He suffered agonizing amounts of pain for me, knowing that I might not even use the Atonement. He did all of this for me. Jesus Christ raised His hand, during the grand council in heaven, and offered Himself to be my Savior. Christ did that knowing all that would come with that responsibility. He still made the choice, knowing that I would have agency. He did that knowing that I may never ever use the Atonement. I have a choice. I can either use the Atonement, the great gift given to me from my Savior, or I can let His sacrifice be in vein.
After Christ completed His tasks on earth, He has continued to help us. “He did not just think, well I have done more than my fair share. I think I am going to take a break now.” No! Christ continues to be here for me. He continues to love, serve, watch over, and protect me.
Christ loves me perfectly, unconditionally, more than anyone can ever love another person, right? Knowing that Christ loves me in this way, did that make the Atonement harder or easier for Him? Was it harder for Christ to suffer for me because He was then perfectly aquatinted with all the sins and trials that I would ever encounter in this life? Or, was it easier for the Savior to suffer for my sins because He loves me and knows that it was the only way for me to return to our Father?
I believe it made it easier. It is impossible for me to comprehend what pure love is like. Maybe I will understand that idea more when I am a mother or as the love in my marriage grows, but for now I am limited in my understanding. Sometimes I think I understand what it is like to have pure love. Then, my thoughts are halted when I think of my Savior. When I think of Christ and his limitless love, charity, and compassion I realize that I am so far from this beautiful, perfect love. Christ’s love for me must have made it easier for him to suffer for my sins, because He truly loves me. Is it possible that love means you want ultimate joy for that person, even if it is at the expense of your own comfort and pleasures?
10.18.10
