November 11, 2021
"This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." -Jesus in John 15:12- 13 (NKJV)
When Jesus said this to his disciples, he was predicting his
own death. But he was also teaching us today that we are to love each other as
God has loved us. God's love is above all, sacrificial. The bible reflects a
divine focus in this one verse about God's love. It is never limited, static,
or self-centered. God's love reaches out to the unworthy and draws strangers
close we don't know. Here God shows us what true love requires. It is the basis
for all love relationships because when you love someone deeply, you are
willing to pay dearly for that person's welfare and safety. Some are even
willing to die for others. Yet some may be willing to do this and others may
not. However, on this Veteran's Day we need to pause and remember with
thankfulness those many veterans who were willing to sacrifice their lives for
us and have given their all for our freedom and protection. While Veterans Day
is legally observed on Nov. 11, it is often celebrated on various days. Yet in
1954 President Eisenhower signed a law for Americans to honor veterans today.
So it is we recognize with appreciation and gratitude all those who have given
sacrificially, but especially the veterans who have served or are serving their
country.
Many have given some, but veterans have truly given their
all when offering their lives as the ultimate sacrifice in defense of country
and kin. Many veterans have given all by spending years away from their
families defending our country. Some have offered years of sacrifice on foreign
soil protecting the freedom of citizens of other countries. Yet many veterans
today are homeless or wounded. Jesus says we are to love each other as he loved
us and he loved us enough to give his life for us. God may not be calling you
to die for someone, but there are other ways you can show sacrificial love such
as listening, helping, encouraging, giving, etc. Think of someone in particular
who needs sacrificial love today including veterans. Thank them and then give
all the love you can!
Prayer: Jesus, Thank you for all giving sacrificial love.
Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Freedom's call requires giving our
all!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Fall Renewal (Volume
3) Paperback – August 23, 2017
by Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson (Author)
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