Bible Verse
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You know those moments when someone needs your help, but you're already exhausted? Maybe it's a friend calling late at night, or a neighbor asking for a favor when your day is packed. These are the small crossroads where love gets real. Jesus spoke about this when He said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends". Sure, He demonstrated this in the biggest way possible, but He also showed us how this kind of love plays out in our everyday choices. Let's talk about what this looks like in our messy, beautiful, real lives.
Short Devotional
Here's a story that doesn’t get mentioned a lot—it's about a man named Barnabas from the early church. While everyone else was running away from Paul (and honestly, who could blame them? The guy had been threatening Christians), Barnabas took a huge risk. He looked at Paul and saw not his past but the powerful potential. That's what love does—it sees past the surface to what could be.
Think about it - Barnabas basically put his reputation on the line. People probably thought he was naive or crazy. But he chose to stand by Paul anyway, and that choice helped shape the early church in ways no one could have imagined. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is believe in someone when nobody else will.
Read more of Barnabas's story in Acts 4:36-37 and Acts 9:26-27
Let's Pray
Heavenly Father,
As I reflect on the true meaning of love, I find myself humbled and challenged. Your Word speaks of laying down one's life for others - a teaching that often leaves me in awe and, truthfully, somewhat anxious. In a world that constantly encourages self-preservation, Your call to sacrificial love stands in contrast to what society pushes.
Lord, I confess my shortcomings in loving others as You love them. Too often, I've chosen convenience over compassion, looking away when others need help because I'm focused on my own agenda. While my heart desires to love well, I struggle with putting others' needs before my own comfort.
I think of moments when I've failed to be fully present - times when I've allowed distractions to take priority over meaningful connections. Transform my heart, Father, that I might embrace the holy inconvenience of being available to those You place in my path.
I'm deeply grateful for those who have demonstrated Your love to me through their sacrificial actions - those faithful servants who set aside their own comfort to support me in times of need. Through their example, You've shown me what Your love looks like when lived out daily.
Give me the strength and wisdom to love as You love. When I'm tempted to choose the path of least resistance, guide me toward choices that reflect Your heart. Help me to see others through Your eyes and respond with the same grace You've so generously shown me.
Thank You for Your patient guidance as I grow in this journey. I trust in Your faithful work within my heart, even in moments when transformation feels slow.
In the mighty name of Jesus,
Amen
Journaling Prompts
If fear wasn't in the picture, how would you love differently? Write a letter to God about what's holding you back.
Look at your calendar for this week. Where could you create space to be more available for others? What would you need to give up?
Think about someone who showed up for you when you were struggling. What did they sacrifice to be there? How did it feel to be loved like that?
We're all figuring this out together. None of us are perfect at this love thing, but that's okay - we're learning. Keep your eyes open this week for those small moments where you can choose love over convenience. Sometimes, the smallest choices make the biggest difference. Until next time, be gentle with yourself as you practice this brave kind of love.
God Bless!
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