YOU’VE got Easter. What do you give back?

Research shows that 90 per cent of songs we sing or listen to are love-based, related to love in one way or the other. Some people think love songs are popular because love is the most important emotion while some think it is popular because it's an emotion familiar to every person so they can relate to it.

Whichever school of thought you belong to, you would agree that love is a beautiful thing, when offered genuinely and accepted with thanks. We also know that true love doesn’t just take, take and take, but gives back in return. We have sometimes wondered whether there is such a thing as ‘excessive love’! Surely as a ‘recipient’ of love, the benefits of love such as gifts, care, affection and attention would in most cases not be rejected, no matter how ‘excessive’ it appears to be.

Have you ever experienced someone who has shown you truly extravagant love, taking a genuine interest in you and your needs by putting you before themselves and others, in a way that costs them a great deal? Would this experience make you wonder, Why they are doing it or do you feel you deserve such treatment at any cost? Do you or would you give something back in return? For most people, to appreciate the gesture they say they’d give something back, sometimes commensurate and more, but sometimes insignificant compared to the level of love you’ve been shown.

There is an example of this kind of love, shown to humanity and this is what should come back to our minds (amongst everything else) at Easter time. At Easter, Christians remember the most amazing act of love in history, and use it as an opportunity to celebrate its glorious results.

First of all, God the Father of all showed much love to us, true love compelled God to give Jesus, His only son. Also, the Bible tells us in Jesus’ speech to His disciples — John 15:12-13 “This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends” (the Message). It’s fair to say that the love that Jesus has for mankind, makes Him call us friends and makes us worth so much in His sight that He put His life on the line (or laid down His life) for us.

Wow, what great love! What manner of love is this that a man should lay down his own life for a friend. The death of Jesus on the cross was an act of love, grace and mercy that promises a fresh start for all who believe. His resurrection makes Easter the greatest celebration in the church calendar.

But then, back to the question of what do we give back? Easter gives us an opportunity to think upon this sacrificial love, and should challenge us to think about what to give back to the one who has shown us so much love. Giving Him our love, time and praise is the least we could do to repay this extreme show of love — now, this could be a good way to start.

If you do already, be encouraged to know that you are on the right track and keep loving Jesus. If you haven’t yet thought about this, it might be an opportunity for you to wipe the slate clean and start again. Easter brings the sure promise of a new beginning, fuelled by the love of God for every human being.

We pray that the love of God through His son Jesus will become a reality to you as a reader and that you would experience this life-changing love.

This Easter, find out how this amazing love can change your life now — and forever. Try a local church to have some of your questions answered. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you as we enter into the Easter season, and beyond.

Whatever you do, whether egg-hunting, or indulging in quality chocolates (after all they are Easter eggs!), watching the Passion Play, travelling on holiday, visiting families, or just taking time out to relax…enjoy this Easter period.

Seyi Oyegunle, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Petra House, Bridge Street, Andover.

Find out more about us at: www.rccgandover.org.uk