By Mike Caton

John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Jesus is telling us to love each other as he has loved us. And this is exactly what Jesus did, he laid down his life for us. He was killed, murdered actually, for something that we had done. He faced the worst death that the Romans could come up with for the worst criminals in their empire. And he did that willingly for us, for you and for me.

We sometimes hear this verse at funerals when the person was in the military or law enforcement, and they died in the line of duty. Or sometimes simply when one of those folks have dedicated their lives to their service. And we certainly do need to appreciate and respect those folks, they do and see things we cannot imagine. And in essence, they are signing up to be willing to die for what they are doing.

But what about the rest of us? It is very unlikely that you or I will ever be put into a position to die for another person. We might wish we could take their suffering, but the truth is we can’t. No matter how willing we might be to trade a child’s sickness for our health, for example, that will not happen. Maybe we need to look at it like this, I will lay down my life, my wants, my wishes, my desires, my comfort, for you. I will devote myself to doing all that is within my power to make things better for you. We see this every day, don’t we? Parents sacrificing for their children; spending money on a computer for school instead of a big screen TV, buying them the clothes they want instead of a new outfit for mom, taking them to whatever practice instead of taking a nap at home.

But this is lived out in the little things everyday as well. Giving your spouse, child, friend the best piece of chicken. Letting then have the last piece of pie. Doing their chore because they are busy. And this list can go on and one, and is as unique as each relationship you have. Sure, the big things are important, but life is most often lived in the little moments. Those are the things we need to think about. How will you lay your life down for your friend today?

Father, help me love like you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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