Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends
John 15:13
Reflection
Britannica Dictionary defines MEMORIAL as something that honors a person who has died or serves as a reminder of an event in which many people died and comes from the same root word as ‘memory’ or ‘remember’. This coming Monday, on Memorial Day, we remember those who laid down their lives in service to us and to their country.
Since 1775, our the United States of America has fought in 11 wars, and in those 11 wars, 1,304,705 American’s laid down their lives fighting for our rights and freedoms and the rights and freedoms of others. Every one of those men and women had family members and friends who grieved and mourned for them. Fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters whose lives were forever impacted by their loved one’s ultimate sacrifice.
Jesus taught us, and then demonstrated to us, the ultimate meaning of love when he laid His life for you and me. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In the same way, the greatest act of love that a human being can show is this … that they willingly lay down their life for their friends.
Between now and this coming Monday, let’s pray for the families in our communities and spheres of influence who have lost loved ones in military service. Let’s reach out to them in love, to let them know that we not only remember what their loved one did, but to show appreciation for, and give honor to their sacrifice.
Will you join me in prayer?
Father God, we thank you for all of those who have served and sacrificed for our nation. We thank you, that because of their sacrifice, we have the freedoms that we enjoy today. Ultimately Lord Jesus, we thank you for the example that you set for us, and the true freedom that we all find in You. May we as your people always remember and never forget, how You demonstrated Your own love toward us – ‘in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ It is in Jesus name that we pray! Amen
Rejoicing in Hope,
Dion Elmore
Vice President
