No Greater Love Than This

One of the passages in the Disappearance of the Universe that stands out for me comes in Chapter 2 before Arten describes the four major attitudes of learning that we all go through (dualism, semi-dualism, non-dualism, and pure non-dualism). Arten explains that we will interpret the exact same scripture differently depending upon in which attitude of learning we are currently engaged.

I had that same experience earlier today sitting in church. The minister at Perimeter referenced this scripture from chapter 15 of the Gospel of John: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

I had read this scripture many times. I understood the traditional Christian meaning as Jesus laying down his life as savior to all people. For most of my adult life, however, I had thought of this scripture in terms of Jesus’ decision to use the crucifixion as an opportunity to show us that we are spirit and that there is no death.

This morning was different. The words transformed for me… There is no greater love than this, that a person would lay down his ego – the life he thought he was leading - for his friends. There is no greater love than to let go of your ego in every situation, to let go of any need to control any situation, to have a certain result, or to judge in any way. There is no greater love than to let go and to live in such a way that reminds all people that they are as God created them.

As I think about my coming week, I see myself walking with this thought on the front burner of my mind…to show my brother love by letting go of the self I thought I was and to instead express the love of God in every situation. To remember when I feel that telltale sign of frustration or anger to instead be still and release what I am thinking I am so that the me that I really am can come forth.

It’s going to be a fun week!

I invite your comments below. In particular, are there scriptures that you know interpret differently as you continue on your chosen path?

In Joy,

Michael