Passion

What image does that word project on your mind?

If you are ‘into’ movies and television then I am guessing the meaning of the word ‘passion’ translates to ‘lust’ in your brain.

Passion has other meanings and interpretations. There are people who are ‘passionate’ about their avocation – artists who can’t do anything but sculpt, or paint, or design, or write. Scholars who are never content, never settled, unless they are pursuing their passion – knowledge.

Another meaning is intense suffering, such as is portrayed in the movie ‘The Passion of the Christ’. Truly this meaning is the least popular and has even been removed from some dictionaries.

The meanings I am most interested in are those revealed in a relationship with Christ.

1. intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction: fervor, ardor

2. ardent affection : love

3. emotions distinguished from reason

It takes all three of those definitions combined into one to represent the ‘passion’ that Christ has for each of us. A passion completely devoid of lust. A passion that is completely devoid of reason – no one would look upon an unfaithful, lying, conniving, deceiving, cheating, thieving person and say “There’s someone I want to get to know better. There’s someone I want to spend all of my time with. There’s someone I will never leave or deny.” At least, we wouldn’t. It defies reason.

Yet that is just what Christ does. He looks at us with all of our warts and sin and disgusting habits and loves us with a passion beyond our understanding. His eyes are like fire when He looks upon each of us as He is consumed with His passion for us. He woos us with unending gentleness and everlasting love. He never gives up, gives in, or lets go.

Passion.

Christ’s passion for us is just the beginning. If we allow Him to work in our lives we will begin to reciprocate His passion with a passion of our own. A passion to be with Him. A passion to please Him. A passion to tell the world about Him and what He has done for us.

Passion. This passion is so much more satisfying than anything the world has to offer. Accept His free gift and begin to live a life of passion.

Revelation 19:12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself.