“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
~ John 15:13
In a few days, many will celebrate Valentine’s Day. It has become a day on which cards, flowers, and gifts are given as sentiments of love and friendship. Many of these gestures are true expressions of deep love and affection.
Jesus, the Son of God, the “Word made flesh” (John 1), gives us an unsurpassed love letter in his Word, the Bible. Daily he holds out to us the beauties of creation and the bounties of the earth. He gives us the blessings to be able to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 24:8). All because he loves us!
Love. If it came right down to it, who of us wouldn’t give our life for those we love–our dear spouse, our precious child, our best friend? Jesus said to his disciples on the night before he was crucified, “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. ”
Love. Jesus gave his perfect life to save sinful humans–you and me–from the fires of hell so that we can put on his righteousness (Ephesians 4:22-24). Jesus shed his holy blood and died for us on Good Friday. He rose from the dead on Easter and now we can live with him for eternity!
In so many ways and with infinite depth Jesus’ love surpasses yours and mine. Praise God that his greatest expression of love–his death and resurrection–has made us children of God! It empowers us to truly love those around us.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for extending the greatest expression of love to me. May I live in the love of Jesus today and always! Amen.
Living Hope Church 