SELFLESS LOVE

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

On this Veteran’s Day, we honor the men and women who have embodied the spirit of sacrificial love through their service. John 15:13 reminds us that the greatest expression of love is found in laying down one’s life for others. Veterans have stood in the gap, willing to risk everything so that others might live in freedom and safety. Their courage points us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for the salvation of the world. As we give thanks for our veterans, let us also be challenged to live lives of selfless love -- serving our families, our neighbors, and our communities with humility and grace, and serving in everyday ways through kindness, forgiveness, and standing up for those in need. True freedom is found not only in the liberties we enjoy but in the love we demonstrate. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™

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FREEDOM COMES WITH RESPONSIBILITY

"Be careful that this freedom of yours [in Christ] does not in any way turn into an obstacle to trip those who are vulnerable." (The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:9 NJB)

Victor Frankel was a famous psychologist who survived the concentration camps of World War Two. He went on to become a leading psychologist of his time. One might think that someone who'd endured such horror might go overboard in pursuit of freedom. But Victor Frankel once said something very profound about America.  He noticed that, in New York, we have this marvelous statue to freedom: the Statue of Liberty. It shines like a beacon at the doorway of our nation. But, he suggested that perhaps we need a little balance. He suggested that perhaps, somewhere on the West Coast, we ought to erect another statue. And that would be a Statue of Responsibility.

Freedom of any kind -- to speak, to live, to work, to love -- always comes with the responsibility to seek balance as well. Paul knew this 2,000 years ago. And he tells us something we need to learn again today: The freedom we have in Christ gives us a great responsibility to care for others and treat others as well as ourselves.  And sometimes, just because we can do something, doesn't mean we should. 

-- Eric Folkerth, Copyright 2000. All Rights Reserved. (Used with Permission) 

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