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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
THE UNFATHOMABLE LOVE OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
In this simple yet profound statement, Jesus reveals the depth of His love for us.
As the Good Shepherd, He didn’t just come to guide us or teach us; He came to give His very life for us.
A shepherd’s responsibility is to protect and care for his flock, but Jesus takes it further—He lays down His life, willingly sacrificing everything for the sake of His sheep.
His love is not passive or conditional.
It is active, sacrificial, and all-consuming.
The love of the Good Shepherd isn’t just about guidance and care; it is about laying everything on the line for the sake of those He loves.
This is the depth of love that defines the heart of the gospel, and it is the love we are called to reflect in our own lives.
How do you respond to the unfathomable love of the Good Shepherd?
Jesus didn’t just offer comforting words or encouragement—He gave everything, even His life, for you and for me.
His love wasn’t selective or limited to those who deserved it; He poured it out for all, including the lost, broken, and unworthy.
The question we must ask ourselves is this: Are we willing to love as Christ loved?
Are we willing to lay down our own lives—our comfort, our time, our resources—for the sake of others?
Anything less than this radical, sacrificial love is a denial of the very heart of the gospel.
If we truly understand what Jesus has done for us, then we must allow His love to drive us to action.
Imagine what our church, our communities, and our world would look like if every believer took this call seriously.
What if we all loved with the same intensity and selflessness that Christ showed?
What if we pursued the lost and the broken with the same passion that Jesus pursued us?
It would transform everything.
The love of Christ compels us to act, to go beyond mere words, and to reflect the sacrificial love of the Good Shepherd in all we do.
Think of a shepherd who has a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders off.
Most people might say, “It’s just one sheep—let it go.”
But not the Good Shepherd.
He leaves the ninety-nine safe sheep and goes after the one that is lost.
He risks everything, searching tirelessly until that sheep is found.
And when He finds it, He rejoices, carrying it on His shoulders back to the flock.
That’s how Jesus loves us.
And that’s how He calls us to love others—to go after the lost, to search for the broken, and to care for them with a love that doesn’t count the cost.
PRAYER
Jesus, thank You for Your sacrificial love. I am overwhelmed by the depth of Your care for me. Help me to respond to Your love by loving others with the same intensity, passion, and selflessness. Let Your love be the driving force in my life, compelling me to reach out to those in need, to the lost, and to the broken. Help me to reflect Your heart in all that I do. Amen.
ASSIGNMENT
Take a moment to reflect on the depth of Christ’s love for you.
How has His sacrifice changed your life?
This week, look for an opportunity to show sacrificial love to someone in need—whether it’s offering your time, resources, or simply being present for someone who feels forgotten.
Remember, when you love others with the heart of the Good Shepherd, you reflect the very love of Christ to a world in desperate need.
THRUSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Amy Garner’s Mom
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham
Sandra Graham
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher