no greater love

As we approach Remembrance Day, the words of Jesus in John 15:13 resonate more deeply: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.” This profound statement encapsulates the essence of true, selfless love and the ultimate sacrifice. On this day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who demonstrated this love by giving their lives in service to others. Their actions remind us that such love surpasses any superficial or fleeting emotion; it is the highest form of commitment and compassion—a love that acts even at great personal cost.

Remembrance Day is a time to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by countless soldiers who, like Christ, gave up their lives so others could live in freedom and peace. The context of Jesus’ words is significant—He spoke them during His final discourse, mere hours before His arrest and crucifixion. He was preparing His followers for the events that would soon unfold, providing them not just with a teaching but with a glimpse into His heart and mission. Christ’s words were not theoretical; He was about to demonstrate this truth in the most powerful way imaginable.

This verse and the actions of those we remember today challenge us to rethink our understanding of love and sacrifice. It’s easy to say, “I love my country,” or “I support our troops,” but Remembrance Day calls us to acknowledge the profound depth of such declarations. How many of us are willing to live out that love through genuine sacrifice? While not everyone is called to lay down their life, we are all called to honor those who did by living with gratitude and purpose, recognizing the freedoms we enjoy as gifts paid for by the sacrifices of others.

Consider the quiet acts of remembrance that take place around the world: people pausing in silence, families sharing stories of lost loved ones, and communities gathering to lay wreaths and reflect. These moments may not make headlines, but they embody the principle Jesus laid out. They remind us that true love requires action, acknowledgment, and a willingness to step beyond our own comfort to honor those who gave all.

As believers, we are called to model Christ’s example of sacrificial love, not just in grand gestures but in our everyday actions. On this Remembrance Day, may we find ways to embody this love—by supporting veterans, caring for their families, and striving to build a society where peace prevails. The world is full of opportunities to reflect this self-giving spirit, through acts of kindness, advocacy, and genuine community support.

intentional + authentic + love

In a society that often prioritizes self-interest and personal gain, embodying this kind of love is counter-cultural. Yet, it is precisely what we are called to do. Jesus’ declaration in John 15:13 isn’t just a statement; it’s a blueprint for how we are to live as followers of Christ and as citizens who value the sacrifices made for freedom. It invites us into a life of deeper connection with God, with one another, and with the legacy of those who came before us—rooted in love that is willing to give all.

This Remembrance Day, may we take this truth to heart and seek to honor the memory of those who laid down their lives with a love that mirrors Christ’s example—a love that leaves a legacy of compassion, gratitude, and hope.

1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”