Today, I operated on a little girl. She needed O- blood. We didn’t have any, but her twin brother has O- blood. I explained to him that it was a matter of life and death. He sat quietly for a moment, and then said goodbye to his parents. I didn’t think anything of it until after we took his blood and he asked, “So when will I die?” He thought he was giving his life for hers. Thankfully, they’ll both be fine. (Story borrowed from 60 Tiny Love Stories to Make You Smile – #7)
This sweet, little story reminds me of the Bible verse in John 15:13 which says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.“
We have all heard lots of wonderful stories about love. I’m not speaking of just the romantic-type love, but the sacrificial, giving love. Tue love gives without limits…and without expecting in return.
When Jesus died on the cross for our sin, it certainly was the greatest demonstration of God’s love because we’re the guilty sinners…and Christ was the innocent Lamb of God who took our place of deserved punishment for sin.
It was a torturous death… one filled with terrible suffering and shame BECAUSE He LOVES us that much! I say “LOVES” in present tense because He’s risen and alive and still loves us! (II Timothy 2:8)
I don’t know that I could find it within me to sacrifice my child for the cause of saving someone else, but God’s love is far greater than our own. And here’s another thought… When Christ died for us that day, it was with the knowledge that there would be many who would reject Him. They would reject His ULTIMATE sacrifice. Still yet… Jesus shed His blood and gave His life for EACH ONE OF US.
There are thousands and thousands of people who have refused to accept Jesus as their Savior….and yet God still loves them. He’s waiting for them to repent and call on His name. He’s not willing that any should perish.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9
The first step to receiving a gift that someone has given them is to reach out and accept it. Christ offered YOU and I the gift of eternal life. That’s the greatest VALENTINE GIFT ever given. (John 3:16)
If you haven’t accepted His gift today, please do so now. (Romans 10:13)
The greatest Valentine Gift ever given…
“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” I John 4:10
God bless you and your family,
