(Philippians 2:7-8; He emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross.)

His reputation was at stake when He declared His love for me, choosing to leave His glory and take on human imperfection. What shame could ever be found in a text message, in the words of my lips, or in a simple act of kindness that could possibly compare to the shame of being stripped, spat on, and mocked by those over whom He reigned as King? What more shame could equal God carrying the body of sin, crucified between criminals, or the perfect Son of God being cast aside while Barabbas, a murderer, was chosen to live?

No heartbreak I suffer from loving openly will ever outweigh the weight of Him being forsaken on the cross, by God, His Father, bearing the burden of sin upon His neck while His mother watched helplessly, knowing her Son’s purpose was a very miserable death for a people including herself, that did not deserve it.
~Marie