Read Ephesians 5:1-2
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.—John 15:13 (NIV)
Since 2012, I have regularly donated blood. I started donating blood as a way to get over my fear of needles, but since then God has helped me to see my blood donations as a way to practice laying down my life for others.
John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” I may never need to die for someone, but God gives us opportunities to offer a part of our lives in loving service to others. Giving blood is my way of doing this. Spending an hour of my time in this way has given me the opportunity to trust God to work in the lives of those in need. Although I don’t know the outcome of any of my blood donations, I have faith that God has provided a life-saving gift through my willingness to offer just an hour of my life for the benefit of another person.
God calls each of us to show our love for others by offering ourselves in service. What gifts or talents do we have that could make a difference in someone’s life? In whatever way we choose to answer God’s call, we walk in obedience and trust that God will work through our living sacrifice.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to trust and obey when you call us to sacrificial service for someone in need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thought for the day: Today I will joyfully lay down my life in service to God.
Michael Kimmel, Texas
