Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend. – John 15:13
Often I see this verse quoted around Memorial Day as we honor those who have fallen in war. Occasionally I see it quoted in the context of saving someone in an emergency situation such as a house on fire. There is something heroic about dying while trying to save someone else.
Rarely do I see it used figuratively rather than literally. Yet, I think that is actually the more difficult thing to do even though we seldom refer to someone as heroic who figuratively lays down their life.
When we choose to lay aside our desires, our wants, or even our needs for someone else, we are figuratively laying down our life. I think of the caretaker for someone who is a cancer patient. The parent who spends long hours with a wailing infant. The child who defends a special needs sibling. The friend who drops everything to come comfort.
Generally, the literal laying down of one’s life is a one time event – by definition. Generally, the figurative laying down of one’s life, the choice to die to one’s self interest for the sake of another, is an ongoing choice. And by definition repeatedly requires a choice. Both qualify, I believe, as laying down one’s life.
Am I demonstrating great love for others?
Just Sayin' 