When athletes talk about playing for a coach that they love, they sometimes express that they would be willing to “run through a wall” for their leader.

Such an expression demonstrates that the athlete is so fond of the leadership that has been demonstrated to them that they would be willing to go to extreme lengths in order to do what would be pleasing to their coach.

When you and I talk or think about Jesus, do we have a similar willingness to “run through a wall” for Him? Are we fiercely committed to Him regardless of what outsiders may think because we know Him personally and love living for Him?

As followers of Jesus, our “coach” is completely without flaws and imperfections, and He has demonstrated His commitment to us with the greatest act of love in history.

Romans 5:8 (ESV) tells us, “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

While we were still living in hostility as enemies of God, He paid the ultimate price by sending His Son to be our sacrifice and bear the wrath that we deserved.

And for those of us who have been born again by faith in Jesus, God continues to demonstrate His love for us daily by giving us His Spirit, sanctifying us, providing for us, and equipping us for good works that bring Him glory.

Having a deep recognition of the love we’ve been shown by Christ leads to a desire to willingly “run through a wall” for Him.

In 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV), the apostle Paul says, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”

When Paul says, “Christ’s love compels us,” he’s not speaking about the love he has for Christ, but about the love that Christ has for him. It was Jesus’ love for Paul that compelled him to “run through a wall,” so to speak, for His Savior.

There’s no denying we’ll encounter difficult situations when following Jesus, and that passionate loyalty to Him is required if we desire to walk in obedience to what He’s commanded.

But we must understand we won’t be able to “run through the wall” by attempting to generate passion and faithfulness within ourselves. Rather, the passion we need to walk obediently in difficult circumstances will be generated as we meditate on the love and commitment shown by our gracious God.

When it’s difficult to love our enemies, we can call to mind how Christ loved us when we were His enemies. When on the brink of temptation, we can remind ourselves that Jesus was perfectly obedient when faced with temptations, and lovingly promises to help us if we turn to Him in our time of need (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Today, let’s allow Christ’s love to compel us to “run through a wall” for Him, giving our all for Him because He gave His all for us.

Reflect: What is a passage of Scripture that helps you better understand the love that God has for you? Why do you think we can be so quick to lose sight of the fact that God has shown such great love to us?

A prayer to consider: Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible love You show me even though I’m undeserving. Please help me better understand the depths of the love You have for me so I may walk in unwavering commitment to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Matt Osborne is part of UNPACKIN’ it Ministries and the UNPACKIN’ it Podcast. Go to: unpackinit.com.