In what ways can we show extravagant love for Jesus today? Extravagant love in context “a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of expensive perfume … poured it on His head” (Matthew 26:7). A full year’s wages flowed out in a moment, simply to honor Jesus. She held nothing back—and neither should we. Extravagant worship: Pouring out our best • Prioritize gathered worship; show up early, sing loud, engage heart and mind. • Guard a daily rhythm of personal adoration—sing, journal, kneel before Him. • Offer talents (music, art, craftsmanship) solely for His fame, not applause. • “let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15). Extravagant obedience: Doing what He says • Quick, joyful surrender in every decision, even when it costs. • Radical honesty, sexual purity, financial integrity—no secret compartments. • Forgive instantly, love enemies, bless those who curse. • “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Extravagant generosity: Giving beyond comfort • Budget to give first; live on the rest. • Surprise others with anonymous gifts that meet real needs. • Sponsor missionaries, widows, orphans—ongoing, not one-time. • “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Extravagant service: Loving people He loves • Volunteer where no one notices—nursery, cleaning, nursing homes. • Seek out the “least of these” locally and globally; treat them as Christ. • Integrate service into family life so children learn generosity early. • “Whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). Extravagant witness: Telling His story • Speak of Jesus naturally in everyday conversation; pray for open doors. • Share personal testimony online; leverage creativity to proclaim gospel. • Support Bible translation, church planting, evangelistic outreaches. • “Let your light shine before men … see your good deeds” (Matthew 5:16). Extravagant devotion: Living at His feet • Guard unhurried time in Scripture and prayer; schedule it like you would a meeting. • Practice silence and listening—give Him room to speak. • Keep a gratitude list; celebrate answered prayer. • “Mary… sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message” (Luke 10:39). Extravagant compassion: Actions that cost • Take in foster children, adopt, mentor at-risk youth. • Open your table weekly to strangers, internationals, students. • Volunteer in crisis-pregnancy centers, homeless shelters, prison ministry. • “faith … if it does not result in action, is dead” (James 2:17). Extravagant surrender: Whole-life offering • Hold career, reputation, and future plans loosely. • Relocate or change jobs if He directs; nothing is untouchable. • “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). Putting it into practice • Ask, “What’s my alabaster jar?” Identify the costliest thing I cling to. • Start small but intentional: one bold act of worship, one gift, one step of obedience. • Revisit the story regularly; let her example recalibrate what “normal” love looks like. |
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