What kind of love?

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 (ASV)

The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. John 15:13 (CEV)

What Kind of Love?

What if you were about to walk in front of a bus on a busy street and someone pushed you away from harm.  Yet, in the process they were hit by the bus and were killed.   What if they knew they would die as they stepped out to save you?

This is the pinnacle of love according to John 15:13.  

You and I were doomed for eternal death and separation from God, yet Love came and pushed us out of death’s way.

Thinking about this kind of love is hard for us to fathom.  

We don’t see that often, except perhaps in war. 

And now is a good time to think of the sacrificial love of 405,399 men and women in WWII.  And the sacrificial love of the 58,220 in the Veitnam War, the 36,574 in the Korean War and the 4,605 and 2,459 in the Iraq and Afghanistan-Related Operations.

Surely, theirs’ was a massive onslaught of love that, in death, gave protection and freedom for tens of millions of others.  

Pause and think about the love of Jesus that would save you and me from an eternity of torment and separation from God’s love.  Poorly said, the sacrifice of Jesus death for all mankind must be the most generous and most loving act ever accomplished. 

If you have not given your life to Jesus, you can receive this ultimate act of love as your own gift.   Jesus died on a cross to pay the price, the penalty, of your and my sinfulness toward God. Our depravity and waywardness toward God were covered by a blameless act of love. 

Rest in this love today.  

Receive this love today afresh in your hearts. 

Remember also the brave acts of love of our fellow men and women who died for our country.  

Let it bring gratitude to your heart and soul to know that you have been loved through such a monumental sacrifice.