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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion April 2, 2008 NO GREATER LOVE |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, April 2, 2008 by Penny Risen
John 15: 13
“This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best
way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends.” The Message Bible
God wisely began His Creation with two people who He charged to look after each other, even as He watched over them.
We in turn, if we’re lucky enough to be parents, are charged to look after our children. Our friends as our extended family are to be loved also, Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of John. Self-sacrifice and putting someone else first, what’s greater than this?
It’s wonderful if it works out this way, but sometimes we have our doubts --- even with a newborn child, a new life that we’re suddenly responsible for.
From a recent blog entry by a brand new mother:
“I was concerned about how I would feel about my new role as mom. My husband has
been such a wonderful anticipating father that I thought there was no way I
could match his love and devotion.
I was worried about my being too selfish and that wouldn't want to do all the
typical mom duties. Boy, was I wrong.
I can't say it was the instant I laid eyes on our new child, but shortly after
holding him to my chest, I knew I would love this guy for a lifetime and would
sacrifice anything for him. I tear up just thinking about it.
“I am surprised at how much I like feeding him: I feel like I can provide for
him and make him happy. I am surprised at how protective I am of him: I couldn't
let him go into the hospital nursery at night, even though I could get some
better sleep if I did.
I am surprised that I can stare at him for hours while he sleeps in my arms.
So far, being a mom is great and I already want to keep him this small and hold
him forever.”
No one can have greater love than to give his life for another. It’s an awesome tribute to God’s plan when we step up and give in to this greater love.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, thank you for Your boundless love for me. Help me to offer myself unselfishly to others in need, and to regard my neighbors and friends as I do my own family. Thank you for the gift of new life as a reminder of this greater love. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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