Laying down your life for others

February 2012

Dear Friend,

Two years ago, I had the great privilege of visiting the United States Military Academy at West Point to speak to the cadets there. The occasion was the American Tract Society’s annual presentation of Bibles to the students, and I was asked to share a message from God’s Word with them. Afterwards, I was invited to eat with several of those inspiring young men and women.

As we fellowshipped, I asked them why they had chosen to attend West Point, one of the most rigorous educational institutions in the nation, which would prepare them for lives of great sacrifice. After graduation, these men and women would serve as officers in the U.S. Army and would more than likely travel overseas to fight in war. After all, that is what they were being trained to do—lead others into battle.

One by one, these cadets echoed the same sentiment: I love my country and, if necessary, choose to lay down my life for it. I believe this nation is worth protecting, and I will stand for what I believe. It reminded me of Jesus’ words in John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” This is an incredible statement if you think about it.

In the world around us, there are numerous instances where people won’t even lay down their preferences and opinions for those they care about, much less their lives. Yet it is the Savior’s command to us as believers. He said, “Love one another, even as I have loved you . . . By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

But what exactly does this mean? How does Jesus intend for us to care for others? To understand this, we must first meditate on how He loves us.

First, Jesus loves you selflessly. The Savior is devoted to you because of who you are, not for what you can do for Him. In fact, Philippians 2:7-8 teaches that Christ cares for you so greatly that He left His glorious home in heaven just to provide a way of salvation for you. He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men . . . He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” He left behind His magnificent throne, adoring angelic hosts, and heavenly comfort to reach you. Jesus held nothing back out of self-interest. He gave everything up for you.

Second, Jesus loves you understandingly. If there is one thing you can count on it is that Christ is sympathetic to your suffering, faults, and limitations. He realizes why you respond to situations the way you do. Hebrews 4:15-16 assures you of this: “We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” The Lord is compassionate in regards to your pain and always accepts you when you seek Him.

Third, Jesus loves you forgivingly. Yes, there will be times when you sin and feel separated from the Savior. However, 1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The reason God hates sin is because it is a destroyer—it dominates your life and keeps you from experiencing His very best for you. The Father wants to cleanse you of your sin as quickly as possible and get you back on the right track.

Finally, Jesus loves you sacrificially. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus “for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.” What was Christ’s joy? It was bringing you back into a relationship with Himself. However, it cost Him greatly—even an excruciatingly painful death on the cross. Great love often requires immense sacrifice for the benefit of the beloved. No one demonstrates that better than our Savior.

In light of how the Savior loves us, how are we called to care for and love others? First, we are to love them selflessly—not for what we can gain but because of the eternal life they need. Second, we are to strive to understand what motivates them, always accepting them as Christ would. Third, we are to love them forgivingly, remembering that Christ has pardoned us of so much more. And fourth, we are to love them sacrificially, which may mean that we put aside our own goals and even endure pain for their greater good.

So today I ask you: Do you choose to lay down your life for others? Are the eternal destinies of those you love worth protecting? Do you truly believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Will you stand for it by loving others as the Savior did?

We may not be going into armed conflict like the fine cadets from West Point, but we are engaged in an intense battle for people’s eternities. God gives us a great weapon with which to gain the victory—selfless, understanding, forgiving, sacrificial, unconditional love. That is how people will know we belong to Him, and it is why they will want to know Him as well.

Prayerfully yours,

Charles F. Stanley

P.S. Caring for others often requires a great deal of faith in the Lord’s provision. I hope you have been enjoying the In the School of Faith series, and I pray it has been helping you walk in obedience to the Father—loving others as He loves you. Remember to join us for the remainder of this series at intouch.org/faith, Sundays at 7:00 p.m. EST, to watch, study, and discuss the messages with other believers. Thank you for partnering with In Touch Ministries in leading people worldwide into growing relationships with Jesus Christ. May God bless you greatly as you love others in His name.

Copyright 2012 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved. www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use only.

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