“The truth of the gospel is intended to free us to love God and others with our whole heart. When we ignore this heart aspect of our faith and try to live out our religion solely as correct doctrine or ethics, our passion is crippled or perverted, and the divorce of our soul from the heart purposes of God toward us is deepened.”- Brent Curtis 
Father has been teaching me so much in this season about how important it is to walk in love. I feel like I get this lesson every few years and I have a feeling my whole life will be marked by it. Every time I dive into this lesson with Jesus, I get a deeper taste of how unified love is with God’s heart. It’s His heartbeat. And it doesn’t look like what I’ve been taught. Love looks like the life of Jesus. I’m starting to see His willingness to be crucified for us as a worship song…the clearest image and example of godly love. An act that yes, was for us, but ultimately an act that was like kneeling in the dirt with His arms up in shout-full praise and worship to God. His death brought forth life for us. 
The command to lay down my life (selfishness and ego) is becoming attached to this eternal song in Jesus’s heart. I can almost hear it ringing from the cross, like music with His pulse as the drumbeat. A life truly surrendered and given to God. A worshipful marriage at the heart level. A unification that is so strong and powerful, that our identities become interwoven. A seal so permanent that it is more binding than two metals being molted together. A constant cycle of being loved and then loving in return until it leads to washing feet. Until selfishness is constantly denied. Until the ego is washed with truth. Until there is not just “me” but there is “us.” Until His Holy Spirit inside of me begins to do the work and I lay down whatever crown on my head at His feet in perfect knowledge that no one can boast in His presence…because the strength to perform is from Him living within (grace). It was never dependent upon my strength. Heaven’s miracles are all from His grace and truth -John 1:17. 
I’m realizing that the love of Jesus is not passive, mousey or weak. It’s not sickly sweet (it doesn’t allow for abuse). Yet, His love is not so hard that it cannot be moved. His love is not cold, religious or lifeless…rather it’s powerful truth and healing grace. It’s wisdom and self-control. It’s giving and wholehearted. Like a blend of ocean and mountain it’s hard to describe but it can be felt. It’s simply…perfect and beautiful. 
1 John 3 & 4
It’s as simple as falling in love with Him.
I pray God takes you deeper into His heart. I pray you are taken inside the closest alcove of His friendship. And I pray He shows you His amazing love for you. I also pray you develop a closer relationship with Him. Like Esther was invited inside the treasury of the king before meeting with him in her preparation, may the Holy Spirit open up to the treasury of God’s heart and may you adorn yourself with the eternal jewels and characteristics that are most important to your Heavenly King.
xoxo
For more words like this, check out my book, Visions of Celestial Love (A devotional book about the heavenly and fatherly love of God):
“Ashley’s book, Visions of Celestial Love is just that; a visionary work of epic proportions. It is glimpses into a loving and remarkable relationship with the creator of the universe.
You are invited to Dive into stories of love and compassion, healing and provision, loss and recovery, profound grace and faith. Ashley draws us in with her descriptive prose and unique style of writing.
There are so many stories to relate to in this book and I’m sure you will find your own story among the many that are told here. So, find your favorite spot, your favorite beverage, and curl up with “Visions of Celestial Love”! -Amazon Reviewer