Your true love is tasted when you are ill-treated or hated. The Lord Jesus demonstrated the self-giving and unconditional love of God. In the midst of the ridicule and mockery of the Jews and roman soldiers, He chose to love. As He experienced the excruciating pain inflicted by the roman nails, He chose to love. His body hanged on those nails thereby stretching his body tissues, deepening the pain, yet He chose to love. He was God's love manifested. He was God's love in action. In our opening scripture, He prayed for the people's forgiveness. Even after praying for their forgiveness, they didn't even change as others went ahead gambling for his clothes by throwing dice. However, Jesus didn't change. Isaiah 53:7 NIV states, "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth". Jesus yielded Himself to God's will in love and never retaliated. This is the way your life is supposed to be. Just like Jesus, your life is supposed to be a manifestation of God's love. Don't wait for perfect conditions or treatment before you can show God's love. Even in pain and persecution choose the love way. In Matthew 5:44 the Lord said, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you". As a new creation, this is your life's description. Don't think the world will congratulate you for walking in divine love. The world will call it foolishness but God calls it wisdom. Jesus set for us an example to emulate. Ephesians 5:1-2 TLB instructs, "Follow God's example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ's love for you was like sweet perfume to him". Be full of love for others even in persecution.