True Agape

Sacrificial love is agape love, or the God kind of love. Agape love is what motivates someone to give their all for somene who can’t do anything for them at all. This love gives of itself and does not expect anything in return. It is the highest and most noble kind of love there is.

Today, we remember those who operated in this kind of love by giving their own lives in the line of military duty. Memorial Day in the United States is a day set aside specficially to bring to mind those who paid the ultimate price- their very lives- so we could be free.

Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor. Hebrews 12:2 (The Voice, VOICE)

Jesus is our example and the One who showed us the meaning of agape by dying for us all on the cross. Those who put their lives in danger for others are following the greatest example ever set. And those believers who die in this manner will be greatly honored and rewarded in heaven.

Let’s not make this a day that is marked only by picnics and recreation. It is to be so much more. We, as a grateful nation, should pause and thank the Lord for those who have died in our place. Such a sacrifice is worthy of honor, and we should hold them in the highest esteem possible.

Thank you, Lord, for those who have given their lives for the cause of freedom and to protect others. What love, what agape! And we pray Your protection over the men and women of our armed forces as they serve their country and place themselves in harm’s way to protect us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.