Sacrificial Love

Greater love hath no man than this : to lay down one's life for a friend. John 15:13

I think it's safe to say that we live in a world that knows very little of sacrificial love. We live in a world where people look out for themselves and sacrifice commitment for convenience.

I often see quotes on social media like these ones;

"Saying yes to happiness means learning to say no to people and things that stress you out."

"If your presence can't add value to my life your absence will make no difference."

Every time I read something like that and see how many times they are liked and shared it sends a shiver down my back. Ask yourself this question, "Who defines a person's worth and value?" Is it you? Their family? The government? It's a scary question with a host of possible answers.

Ask yourself this, "What if we lived in a world where we chose to see the good and learned what it really meant to make sacrifices for love?" What a difference between the first question and the second. If we are only allowed in other's lives because of what we can do for them or what we bring to them, we create a system of relationships that are all take and no give. Nobody wants to be in a relationship like that. True friendship and true love requires sacrifice.

To be in a rewarding relationship you sometimes have to sacrifice time, energy, and commitments to other things. If you are having a busy day and a friend needs you, put your schedule on hold and go see them. If you have ageing parents who can't do all the things for themselves they once could, make time to help them. If your spouse is going through a tough time and needs encouragement, be there for them. Don't abandon people when they fail. Don't walk away from people who are hurting and acting out. Be there for people.

I can almost hear some people say, "What about situations where you are being used or abused? Should we stay and be a door mat?" Obviously not. If someone is using you then you have to set up firm boundaries. Know when to say no. Know when to walk away. I am not talking about these types of situations. I am talking about being selfish in relationships. Far too many people are the takers and not the givers... and are too blind to see it. Often the takers will be the ones posting these thoughts on social media.

I want to encourage every one to look inside and ask yourself one more question, "Am I living selfishly and treating people as though they had little value or were disposable?" If you think the answer might be yes, it's time to make some changes. Love is not a feeling, it is action and purposeful giving.

Once in awhile I have the privilage of going to visit my Great Grandfather in the senior centre where he now lives. My Grandpa has alzheimers and he no longer knows who I am. He doesn't recognize his own children and he can't express his thoughts, his wants or his needs. One might say he has little left to give to society or his family. Based on popular sentiments one might say he no longer has "value". I shudder to think of the day this decision is left in the hands of the government. To me, Grandpa still has great value. 

There is a woman who visits Grandpa every day. She walks with him down the hallways, feeds him his snack, combs his hair and washes his face. She visits with him about the things happening in her life and asks him questions tho he seldom answers. She is his wife and she loves him. Although Grandpa doesn't remember anyone else, he still remembers "His lady". He smiles when he sees her and trusts her to figure out what he is trying to say. It's a beautiful thing to watch. It is love in action. Sacrificial love.

I hope someday you get a chance to witness this kind of love. I hope you get a chance to have this kind of love. It isn't easy, it's a gift. My grandparents life wasn't easy, at times their marriage wasn't easy, but they made it work. They didn't get annoyed and walk away, they didn't give up.

The quote at the top is a bible verse. "Greater love hath no man than this; to lay down ones life for a friend." How many people do you know that would be willing to lay down their lives for you? How many would you lay down your life for? Not very many I expect. 

There was someone who laid down his life for you. The ultimate example of sacrificial love. He died an excruciating death so you could be free. His love was extreme. His love was sacrificial.

He wants to be your friend, your helper. He will never walk away from you or treat you as disposable! I am thankful that he is the one who decides my worth. He says to me," Yes! You are worth it."

He died that we might live. All he asks is that you accept him. Believe him. Trust Him. He spent all that he had to give for you. Who else would do that for you?

He has what's best for you in mind. His love is full and complete.

His love is sacrificial.