"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."John 15:13, KJV
Some may argue that those who take their own life in suicide is also considered laying down their lives. These people are utterly wrong because they mistake action with motive. Self-sacrifice and suicide may appear the same in action, but are wholly antagonistic in motive. Suicide is always out of hatred, and sacrifice is of love.
But in our lives we do sacrifice many things in the name of love. Sacrifices are not new to us. Yet, often, we sacrifice to get something in return; the best of two; opportunity cost. In the end, our love is always selfish in nature; in the end, we love nothing--and no one--but ourselves. What a sad reality we live in.
I would argue fervently that all is not lost: the love of parent to child should prove me wrong, right? Wouldn't every parent endure hunger that their children be fed, the heat of the day to afford cool sleep for their children, bed of nails for them for their children's bed of roses? My father once said he'd not think twice to lose his arm and leg if that's what it takes for his children to make it in this world. My mother also said that she can have everything desirable in this world, yet still have nothing if her children--her own heart--is not present with her. I am blessed with such life and such love. I should have no reason to complain, shouldn't I?
Well no, I'm not complaining, definitely not about myself. But I'm old enough to open my eyes to the world around me to see, and be heartbroken by, those who--in God's great mercy and divine wisdom--share not the same blessing. I know that God wants me to be ever more grateful by what I have, and also to learn to understand the reality of this fallen world and pray for it. But for them, oh the sadness, that their experience with what is supposed to be the most majestic and glorious kind of love bestowed on this earth is far from what anyone would ask. For them, that love estranged them, that love pushes them to the dirt, and hurt them in ways no other love can ever do. Oh parents, if you have hurt your children today, I beg you, reconcile yourself to God, and reconcile us to you, because if you don't, then for us, what is left of love? what is real of love? and what hope is left for us of love?
Praise be to God! For such love has came to the world, to show us not only the way, but also to itself. Love beyond measure, freely--and willingly--available.
Such love, that the Father Himself would seek a way to reconciliation.
Such love, that the Father would do it with the costliest option, for it is the only one possible.
Such love, that the Son Himself wills to die for His friends, so that they may live.
Such love, for the Son died not to those worthy of receiving such sacrifice, but those who were yet still enemies, vile and despicable in every ways possible.
Such love, that He believes His sacrifice can change all that; that He can turn hearts of stone to hearts of flesh; that beat, live, and love.
Oh world, oh parents, children, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, lovers, friends. If the greatest of all human love in this world fails you, despair not, for God's love is real; His heart burns with love towards you. The Father did not spare His own Son for us all, what reason do you have to doubt His love?
"Happy Valentine's day,
Sincerely, God."
