Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his
friends. John 15:13
Jesus says the ultimate test of true love is the willingness to die for
others—especially your friends. Of course, He personally demonstrated this
Himself in giving His life on the cross for you and me. And today He continues
to call those who follow Him to make this sacrifice as well. This classic war
zone missionary story illustrates the point:
The mortar rounds landed in an orphanage run by missionaries. The
missionaries and one or two children were killed outright and several more
children were wounded including one girl about eight years old.
The medical staff who arrived to help soon realized that the young girl was
the most critically injured. Without quick action she would die from shock and
loss of blood.
When explained to the other children that a blood transfusion was imperative,
the request for a blood donor met with wide-eyed silence.
Then one small hand went up and a young boy volunteered. He was quickly laid
on a pallet, his arm swabbed with alcohol, and the needle inserted into his
vein.
Through the ordeal, he lay stiff and silent but continued to sob later
turning into steady, silent crying. The medical team kept asking if it was
hurting but he would shake his head and continue to cry.
After a while the boy stopped crying, opened his eyes and looked
questioningly at the nurse who took the needle out of his arm. When she nodded,
a look of great relief spread over his face.
The boy had all along thought he was dying. He misunderstood, thinking that
he was to give ALL his blood so the other little girl could live. And she was
his friend.
RESPONSE: Jesus calls me today to show sacrificial love—especially for
those I consider friends.
PRAYER: Pray that this depth of love will become a reality in the church
of Jesus Christ and in your life.
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