“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13
God is Love, and His love is very different from human love. God's love is unconditional, and it's not based on feelings or emotions. He doesn't love us because we're lovable or because we make Him feel good; He loves us because He is love. John 15:13 coveys the standard of love Jesus’ disciples are to have for one another. Jesus’ death for us on the cross is the ultimate standard of love. His love is sacrificial. Anything other than sacrificial love is a lesser love. Sacrificial love for others is the supreme test of genuine love. Jesus gave everything; He gave Himself to die on the cross for others. He could not have given a greater proof of His love for us. Believers should follow Christ’s example of supreme love for others.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the mercy You’ve shown us by sending Christ to lay down His life on our behalf. We frequently fall short of the kind of sacrificial love He commanded us to have. By Your Spirit, help us share Your unconditional love with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.