Scripture For Today
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 NIV
So many believe that love is simply a deeper “like” and appreciation of others based on feelings, time, and showing up for each other. Yes, these are all forms of expressing one's love for friends and family. However, the sacrifice and unconditional risk that you take for another person is a deeper expression of this love.
The Lord is sharing here in John 15:13 that there is no greater love than laying down your life. That may be a hard pill to swallow when it may feel very comfortable to just love someone from a distance. But, to sacrifice yourself and to lay your life down for another is a great demonstration of love. Jesus, at this point in time knew that He was going to lay his life on the cross.
He was aware of it and knew that He did this out of his great love for the children of God. He understood that this was a part of His divine assignment.
Today, decide to trust in God. Decide to follow and accept Jesus. Consider how you can express a deeper love for others. Consider how you can be the hands and feet of Jesus in the earth. How can you bless others? How can you encourage others? How can you empower others? How can you make the real sacrifices that are going to bless someone's life and be a demonstration of your great love for that person?
Don't be afraid to surrender. Don't be afraid to let go and fully step into that God idea. Don't be afraid to be the light that cannot be hidden. Operate in God’s love today.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1. Lay Down Your Agenda in Service to Others
One way we can “lay down our lives” is by surrendering our own plans and timelines to be present for someone else. This might look like:
Taking time out of your busy schedule to help a friend in crisis
Listening deeply to someone who needs to talk
Choosing to be present even when you feel overwhelmed or exhausted
These moments may seem small, but they are sacred acts of love. Jesus often paused His own plans to meet the needs of those around Him. His interruptions became ministry. When we surrender our agenda to love others well, we participate in the same kind of divine expression.
2. Forgive Freely and Release Offense
Laying down your life also means laying down your right to hold a grudge. Jesus forgave even as He was being crucified. When we forgive, we offer the kind of love that heals and sets others free — and sets us free too.
Let go of past wounds and allow God to heal them
Ask the Lord to help you see others the way He sees them
Extend grace to those who have wronged you, just as you’ve received grace
Forgiveness is one of the deepest demonstrations of love, because it reflects the heart of the Gospel.
3. Live Generously With What You Have
To lay down your life is also to offer your resources — your time, your energy, your gifts, and even your finances — for the good of others. You don’t have to wait until you have more to give. Love gives from what it has.
Share a meal with someone in need
Give financially to a family or individual going through a hard time
Offer your skills or knowledge to help someone succeed
Generosity is love in action. When we love others by giving freely, we reflect the very generosity of Christ, who gave everything for us.
Closing Message:
You don’t have to have it all figured out to love like Jesus. You just need a willing heart. Each small sacrifice, each act of generosity, each moment of grace, builds a life that reflects the beauty and power of the love Christ demonstrated. Today, as you walk out this word, remember — love never fails, and when you love sacrificially, you’re never walking alone. Jesus walks with you, empowering you to love boldly, freely, and fully.