No Greater Love

Heart Prep

God, show me how I can love others this Valentine's Day.

John 15:12-14  “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.  
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

Jesus talked a lot about love. In fact, He tells us that all of the Law (His commandments in the Old Testament) can be summed up in loving God and loving people. Loving God is what we were created to do, and then we are commanded to love others. In John 15, He tells us to love one another. We’ve already studied what love is, and Jesus Christ is the perfect picture of love. He came, suffered, and died for us. He loves us so much, and He wants us to share that love with other people.

He tells us that the greatest love is to lay down our life for our friends. You may never have to give your physical life for another person, but there may be other sacrifices you can make for your friends to show your love. You might need to stick up for them at the risk of your own popularity. Or maybe you need to let go of your pride and forgive them for a mistake they made. Love is much greater than just a romantic thing. Love is sacrificing for someone else’s good! Jesus gave us the perfect model to follow. He remained faithful to do what was right and gave of Himself so that others could have abundant life!

This Valentine’s Day, let’s not get hung up on loving one person, let’s do our best to share love with everyone we come in contact with. Smile at a stranger, hold the door for an elder, or maybe leave an encouraging note for a teacher. What can you do to share love with others?

Life Application

What is God saying to me?

Something I want to remember from this is...

How does this change my life and what are my next steps?