Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭59‬-‭60‬
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.‭‭
I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

When I think about other-worldly love, Jesus takes the cake! He suffered persecution. This persecution took the form of slander, gossip, threats, labeling as evil his good works, loss of revenue (Judas stole from him), loss of family relationships, etc. He laid aside any personal human ambitions he might have had on earth. Before that he laid aside his heavenly position and authority.  

He was denied, betrayed and rejected. He was beaten up, ridiculed, teased, and offered up as a negotiating pawn by Pilate. The people he helped through healing and providing spiritual and physical food for, chanted, “Crucify him!” And after all of this, as he took his last breath on the cross, he asked God to forgive them.  He gave them the benefit of the doubt, saying they knew not what they were doing?

Stephen, the first Christian martyr after Christ, in similar fashion asked God to not hold the stoning against the people who perpetrated it against him. This was a “love uncommon” to all who saw it!

The components of love are absolute. They are not optional based on others’ actions or our circumstances. Look at I Corinthians 13: “Love is ..”. It does not say, “Love sometimes is …”.

So what is love?  It is hard to describe by mere words. Actions matter more. When I act patient, kind, selfless, humble, celebrating others’ successes, honoring others, peaceable, and with forgiveness, I act in love. When I speak the truth, protect, trust, hope, and persevere, I exhibit love.

But love is also more than these. It is a relationship with God that fills our heart so much, it overflows goodness to those around us. We love, as Christ followers, because he first loved us.  That is it. The only reason we can love others. The only power by which we love. When we grow in love we grow into God’s heart!

Lord, thank you for modeling extra-ordinary, uncommon love for me! I am captivated by your love. Teach me to love more, to be selfless, and judge less.