We know what real
love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our
lives for our brothers and sisters. 1
John 3:16
It is far better to give than to receive. That was something my mom taught me when I
was little. As I look back, I reflected
on those times that made me the happiest.
It was usually around birthdays.
My favorite childhood birthday was when I turned seven. We were in San Francisco for my mom’s job,
and her and some colleagues took me to an old-fashioned Italian
restaurant. I’m guessing my affinity for
Olive Garden must have started there, but I digress. We were done with dinner, and our server
brings out a little birthday cake. She
begins to sing ‘Happy Birthday.’ But she
was not the only one. The tables around
us began to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ as well.
Before I know it, the restaurant has become the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
because everyone (I’m not kidding … everyone!) began to sing. Tough act to follow for a seventh
birthday. My mom marvels that I remembered
that day because to her, it was just part of being my mom. To me, it meant the world, and it still does
today. However, it brings joy to my
mother’s face that I remembered it.
As a Christian, I remember watching the Passion of The Christ
for the first time. I understood what
Jesus had done for us, but that moment in the theater changed my
trajectory. Seeing the graphic nature of
what Christ went through leading up to the crucifixion was simply at times
unbearable to watch. It was so painful
(spoiler alert 😊) that I barely remember Him walking out from
the tomb on the third day at the end of the movie. While it is true that the depiction of His
crucifixion was somewhat off, the concept one could get of what He went through
was deeply impactful. I can still
remember it to this day. It centers me
whenever I wander too far from course.
It keeps my faith grounded on the solid foundation He made for me. He went through all of that for us.
Real love is always about giving. Not receiving. Most of us focus on John 3:16, which says, “For
this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone
who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Today’s John 3:16 (1st John, that
is) speaks very similarly of the sacrifice Jesus made. However, while one spoke of the gift God gave
to us through His Son the other commissions us to give as Jesus gave. Now this is not to say we are to lay down our
life throwing caution to the wind.
However, it requires us to have a selfless love for others. We are to give of ourselves so that others
can know the love of the one true living God.
If you think of the one moment you truly knew God was real, what would
you give for someone else to have that moment?
Couldn’t your selfless act be the one that either makes a difference in
another’s life or helps someone recognize God truly at work? My pastor understood this as he quoted from Philippians
2:4 saying, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest
in others, too.”
There is truly no greater love one can have for another than
to give their lives for them. My wife
gives me the greatest amount of joy in my life.
It’s not because of what she does for me. It is because when I do something for her and
she smiles, nothing can ruin my day.
That is the kind of love today’s verse speaks of. Jesus too spoke of this saying, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Whether it be for a child, a significant other,
a parent, or someone in need, let us renew our commitment to God by committing
to give more to others. Where are you
reserving space that God wants more from you?
How can we give more of us for our brothers and sisters? My prayer is that while we find comfort the
words of John 3:16, we act remembering ‘The Other John 3:16.’ Amen.
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