Question of Love: "Does God require us to get to extremes of faith!? "

By Ms. Brenda Muwendo (Prof)

"Does God require us to get to extremes because of faith?" THE QUESTION OF LOVE

A common story is told of a mother hen found dead in the ashes of a violet fire, her lifeless body shielding her surviving chicks. Though tragic, this story serves as a powerful illustration of the essence of real love and the true cost it demands.

Throughout the ages, true love has always been marked by sacrifice. From great romantic tales to the most heroic acts, it has been repeatedly shown that love gives even when it hurts. We find the greatest expression of love in John 15:13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

We all can agree that life is our most precious possession, and if there were anything to lose, then it wouldn’t be life. 

So why would someone/anyone go to such an “extreme” to lay down their life for friends? Surely, why should life, the most precious possession, be the highest price paid for love? These questions compel us to realize just how precious love is- because it demands what we value most.

The image of sacrificial love portrayed by the mother hen is not just a touching story but the heartbeat of the Christian faith.

Just as the mother hen died in the stead of the helpless chicks, Christ died the death that was ours so that we might live the life that was His. (1 John 3:16,18). This principle of sacrificial love is the foundation of the Christian faith.

One may wonder! Should Christians go to such extremes - risking death or even forfeiting personal opportunities—for the sake of their faith?” 

 Let’s explore this together: 

1. Love compels us: Christ the author and finisher of our faith, showed that true faith is perfected in love (Heb 12:2). His life of self-denial is our example. As believers, love compels us to follow in his footsteps- not out of duty or obligation but from deep trust and a desire to reflect our Redeemer (2 Cor 5:14). The love that costs life can surely cost anything.

2. God, our provider, and sustainer: God is interested in our well-being; he not only provides us with all good things (Jam 1:17) but also preserves and sustains us each day (Psa 145:15,16). A clear understanding of this fact is an assurance that anything we may lose for His sake is never truly lost (Mat 10:39). Even when we let go of valuable opportunities, relationships, academic pursuits, or possessions when love demands it, we remain confident that our prosperity is His priority (Jer 29:11)

3. Eternal life matters most: God is far more concerned about our temporal success and well-being than we are. His willingness to provide, sustain, and preserve our lives depicts his whole interest in our daily success. But God’s interest in our lives goes beyond these temporal achievements (Mat 16:26). Any earthly loss- even of life itself, is bearable to God but losing us eternally is unthinkable (Mat 5:30). As the Psalmist stated “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (Psa 116:15)” because He will raise them up on the last day to inherit life eternal. 

4. Everyone must die: You’re right, not all of us will physically die for our faith (martyrs), but we’re all called to die to self (1 Cor 15:31) - to surrender what we hold dearest: ambitions, comfort, pride, relationships and anything as long as love demands it. You and I can, therefore, confidently go to any 'extremes' if we possess love for our faith (Gal 5:6) because the love of Christ constrains us to attain such heights (2 Cor 5:14).

As one grows in love with Christ, one will surely come to realize that what once seemed as “extremes of faith” are the truest expression of genuine love. Deeper love for Christ will surely translate into bolder faith.