Wednesday, December 7

John 15:13

Jim Bowen

John 15:13

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

When we think of modern examples of those who have demonstrated this kind of love, we often focus on Medal of Honor recipients.  The most recent recipient, Sgt. Dakota Meyer, repeatedly put himself in harm’s way for six hours to rescue others.  A small portion of his citation reads, “. . . steadfast devotion to his U.S. and Afghan comrades in the face of almost certain death . . .”  The citation, describing his actions on that terrible day, surely echoes Jesus’ words, spoken to exhort, encourage, and strengthen his followers against the apparently-devastating events that were shortly to follow.

These words came back to Jesus’ followers with full meaning after his crucifixion and resurrection.  Jesus truly practiced what he preached.  Yet, Jesus’ entire ministry can be seen as simply demonstrating love through service to others, and teaching us to do the same.  Thankfully, not many of us will face the extreme situations of Medal of Honor recipients or of Jesus’ suffering for others, but each one of us should “lay down one’s life” each day in acts of service to others, demonstrating the kind of love Jesus had in mind.

In the Advent season, we particularly focus on others, as we prepare food and gifts, and donate to those less fortunate.  Jesus encourages us to maintain this attitude throughout the year and to simply help when we encounter those in need.

Prayer:  Father, may our love be expanded, through the action of the Holy Spirit, so that our lives may be lived in devotion to others, and we may come into the care of Your loving arms.  Amen.