HAVING GREATER LOVE
Sarah Sloan
Today’s Scripture: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13, ESV
Theme: A true friend is willing to sacrifice his or her life, time, talent, and resources, just as Jesus did.
TRUE CONNECTIONS
Just this week, I sat down with a friend for coffee, and we lamented how hard it is to make and keep deep and meaningful friendships, especially when life becomes filled with marriage, children, work, and schedules. So many of us are in the same predicament. At all stages and walks of life, busyness and distractions get in the way of true connections.
What we were talking about, but didn’t know, is exactly what Jesus said in our Scripture for today: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus was not only defining love for us; He was outlining what it takes to have deep and meaningful relationships which are filled with genuine affection and love.
DAILY SHOWING UP
Jesus demonstrated His love in the most magnificent and eternity-altering way. Yet the everyday act of “laying down our lives” usually means showing up in the mundane ways, not dramatic ones.
For me, as a serious introvert, just being there for a friend when I’m already overstimulated and “peopled-out” can be a major sacrifice. Maybe for you it’s putting aside your agenda to help someone else when it is inconvenient. If you are a problem-solver and like to fix things, pausing to fully listen may be a real stretch for you. Maybe God is calling you to forgive, extend grace, and fervently pray about the situation. Sometimes refraining from judgement and gossip can feel like a sacrifice. But to have close relationships, these actions are required.
BEING A FRIEND IS WORTH THE COST
No matter your personality or how you relate to those around you, we all struggle with selfishness. Jesus challenges us to love people deeply and to demonstrate our love in a way costs us something. Real friendship isn’t just about finding people who make us feel good—it’s about being willing to show up for others, even when it costs us; even when it hurts.
Make It Personal: Is there someone in your life who could use a little extra love from you today, someone who needs your patience, your time, your attention, or your support? Are you willing to do the hard work of being a great friend?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for loving me so deeply. Thank You for opening Your arms on the cross and showing me just how big Your love for me is. Help me to love others just like You do—through my actions and not just with my words. Show me who needs that kind of love today. I want to be a great friend, and I want to have great friendships. Help me to start living the life of community that You planned for me by seeking to love others well. Amen.
Read: 1 John 3:16-18, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 John 4:7-12
Weekly Memory Verse:
“He who withholds kindness from a friend
forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Job 6:14, ESV