What have you given up for someone you love?

We’ve been going through 1 Corinthians 13 for the past several days as we examine love. Today, I thought we’d momentarily shift to a passage in John.

Today is Memorial Day in the United States. This is a day we set aside to remember those who have given their lives for our protection and freedom. It is a solemn day. One where we are faced with the stark reality that…

Freedom isn’t free.

Thankfully, there are many who have stepped up to the call and were willing to show great love for us. As Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“

Love sacrifices.

It looks to the needs of others and is willing to give up things that are precious to us for the sake of others. Sometimes these sacrifices may seem small…

• giving a few minutes to listen to a friend
• giving a few dollars to provide a meal
• giving up the opportunity to do what we wanted to do to allow someone else to do what they want/need to do

Other times, the sacrifice may be great…

• taking up a second or third job to ensure your child can get through college
• changing your plans and your life to foster or adopt a child
• giving a kidney
• giving your life for someone else

The Ultimate Sacrifice
As we remember the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for us, we also remember the sacrifice Jesus made. He laid down His life for us that we might have freedom. Freedom from sin, death, and the devil.

So, let us honor those who have sacrificed their lives for us, thank those who risk their lives for us, and be willing, ourselves, to love others with the sacrificial love with which Christ has loved us.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for loving me a sacrificing for me. Thank You for all those who have sacrificed their lives for my protection and freedom. Comfort their families. Thank You for those who continue to risk their lives for me and my family. Help me to be willing to love others through sacrifice.

Amen.