1 JOHN 3:16

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

TO PONDER

TA quick reflection today that comes from our pastor's conversation about this text from 1 John.

When you think about Jesus 'laying down his life" what do you think of?

The most common answer is "when he died on the cross" - and of course, this is perhaps the most obvious and profound example.

But the reality is much greater than just this one moment. Jesus entire life was lived for the sake of others. He healed the sick - touching those whose conditions would make him 'unclean' in the eyes of the religious elite. He ate with sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes - those who the rest of the world rejected and so was rejected himself. While He took time out to pray and be by himself, he did this so he was prepared to serve others well.

This is the kind of 'laying down' of life that John is talking about, not just a one time grand gesture but an ongoing pattern of putting your own agenda aside for the sake of others. That's the kind of love Jesus demonstrated and is the kind of love we now can share with others in his name.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Thank you that you laid your life down in every way so that I may have life to the full in your name. Please help me to live that life and show your love to others faithfully in every moment, Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle