DEVOTIONAL:
MAIN SCRIPTURE: John 15:13 (NLT) 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Jesus didn't just talk about love; He demonstrated it in the most extraordinary way possible. He gave up His life for us, not because we deserved it but because His love is so profound and unconditional. In today's world, we often think of love as something we get, like ‘likes’ on social media or gifts on special occasions. But the love Jesus speaks of is different. It's about giving, not receiving. It's about putting others' needs ahead of our own.
The ultimate show of love is to lay down your life for your friends, but that doesn't necessarily mean dying for someone. It can be as simple as sacrificing your time, your comfort, or your resources to help someone else. It could mean listening when you would rather speak, giving when it's easier to keep, or staying when it's more comfortable to leave. When we serve others sacrificially, we mirror the love Jesus has for us, and in doing so, we become His hands and feet on this earth.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with humble hearts. Teach us to serve others in the same sacrificial way that Your Son, Jesus Christ, served us. Help us to recognise the opportunities You place in front of us to show love through action. May our lives reflect Your boundless love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
ACTION STEP:
Today, pause and consider a way you can serve someone that requires a sacrifice on your part. It might be giving up some of your free time to help a neighbour, contributing financially to someone in need, or even offering a listening ear to someone who is struggling. Whatever it is, do it willingly, remembering that each act of love is a step closer to becoming the person God created you to be.