“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

There is a significant difference between doing something by submission, opposed to being forced into doing it. When we are coerced or forced, we may comply, but our hearts and souls are definitely not in it; on the other hand, when we complete a task willingly, it is conducted out of an open, selfless, and willing spirit- it comes from the heart. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ died on that old rugged cross, one Friday afternoon, willingly for the redemption of our sins…that’s love!

He was both fully human and fully divine; in submission to the will of the Father, He gave up His glory in Heaven to die for the sins of the whole world! “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 4:7-8. Jesus chose to give His life so that we could live forever. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, when the mob came to arrest Jesus, Peter cut off the ear of a soldier, and miraculously, Jesus restored it. Peter was ready to fight and save Jesus…but Jesus came to save not only Peter, but us all. In Matthew 26:53 Jesus said to Peter “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53. A Roman legion consisted of 6,000 soldiers, Jesus was saying to Peter, if I asked of the Father, He could have sent down over 72,000 angels to rescue me from this mob!

I can imagine Peter was baffled as to why he should not take out that soldier; but there are somethings in life that only God can do, we do not always understand the why…but God is working all things out for our good…Jesus’ death and resurrection secured eternal life for all those who will receive Him! “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3.

That’s love in action my friends; it is absolutely beyond our human comprehension; the precious blood that Jesus shed on Calvary’s cross, still flows from the lowest valley and reaches to the highest mountain and it will never lose its power to save, heal, comfort, and deliver- all that we need! “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18.

If you are out there somewhere today and do not know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, eternal life is free…the cares and concerns of this world are only for a brief moment in comparison to everlasting life; He is calling for you to open the door of your heart…won’t you accept His love-tomorrow is not promised to any man, but today is the day of salvation! “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20.

And to my brothers and sisters in Christ, may we remain steadfast and unmovable in the faith; knowing that the love of God and the sweet communion of His Holy Spirit is with us always. He first loved us…let us put our love in action by submitting to His will. . . for truly one day love lifted me, and all to Him I owe:

All my heart to Him I give,

Ever to Him I’ll cling,

In His blessed presence live,

Ever His praises sing;

Love so mighty and so true,

Merits my soul’s best songs;

Faithful loving service, too,

To Him belongs.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!

When nothing else could help,

Love lifted me.