John 15 – Greater Love

Even more recently I have seen that Christ-like behaviour from my parents all over again.

John 15:1-27

Reference:  v.13  Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  (TNIV Bible)

Explore:  Eight years ago as I stood and gave a speech at my wedding, I looked at my mother and father and thanked them for all they had done for me.  They had given me so much love, support and encouragement throughout my whole life.  However the greatest gift they had offered me was to show me what God was like.  Through their faith, their perseverance and their dedication to be like Christ they had given me an earthly glimpse of what my loving Father in heaven was like.  Even more recently I have seen that Christ-like behaviour from my parents all over again.  While Dad suffered a terminal illness, he continued to depend on God and trust that he was in His Creator's hands.  And Mum, well she showed such great sacrifice as she put aside her career, her plans and her own interests so that she could care for Dad at home.  No matter what Dad needed, Mum had already started to prepare it.  For 18 months my mother humbly served my father so that he could pass away in his own home, surrounded by those who loved him. 

Application:  "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."  When you read such a verse you like to think that if it came to it, you would act like this greater love.  But it takes great sacrifice.  As I look at all my mother had to put aside for my father I see that the burden she carried was great.  It was a sacrifice that she faced over an extended period of time and I'm sure there were some days when she wanted everything to change.  So too was the sacrifice that Jesus gave for all of humanity.  He put His own life aside so that everyone else could have life.  We may not carry such huge burdens, however each day we are presented with opportunities to show this 'greater love'.  Whenever we put our own interests aside and put someone else first, we are revealing some of this 'greater love' to those around us.

Prayer:  Lord God, no one has shown greater love than You.  We thank You that we are the recipients of such love.  May we be willing to persevere through all hardships so that we too can show this greater love.  Amen.

How can you show 'greater love' today?

John