John 15: 12-14
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
True friendship or love does involve giving of oneself, or at least being willing to do so, and living this out. These verses right away seem prophetic, especially reading them now, in the season of Lent. But I can also live less selfishly, and with more generosity. I believe one of the most valuable and meaningful sacrifices we can make for others is is the sacrifice of our time. This is especially difficult for me.
Holy Lord, help me to see opportunities to give of myself. I need to practice this more, and need a nudge sometimes. I want to be more like Jesus. Amen
Becky, transforming
John 15:12–14
This is my commandment: love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.
Jesus often speaks of love and his love for us. He set an example of complete sacrifice with his death on the cross. There are many ways to sacrifice for someone. Take the time to listen to someone’s problems. Take the time to help others. Take the time to encourage others. We need to offer ourselves for each other.
Prayer: gracious God, you have taught me to use my time for others in your name. Thank you for that…
Thursdays March 30th, 2023
John 15:12-14
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.
Love is a feeling, and if you don't love somebody, you can't help it. But to love, as Jesus did is far different. We can be sure of one thing He would never command us to do what is impossible for us to do. We are to love, He says, as I have loved you. This kind of love is only possible because of the relationship that He has with the Father that…
John 15: 12-14 These verses must not be dismissed as impossible to live up to. There are many ways to lay down one’s life for a friend that don’t end in death. Years ago I read about the importance of having a 2AM friend. This is someone you could call from wherever you were stranded at 2AM with absolute confidence your friend would do whatever was necessary to get you home. We may not be able to be 2AM friends with everyone we know, but this is the love of Christ to which we all aspire.
Prayer - Loving God, open my heart, Lord to a way of sharing with others in such a way that they see Jesus and want…