Laying Down My Life

Follow God's example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ's love for you was like sweet perfume to him. Ephesians 5:1-2 (TLB)

And here is how to measure it - the greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friends.

John 15:13 (TLB)

Michael Kimmel lives in Texas. Since 2012, he has regularly donated blood. He started donating blood as a way to get over his fear of needles, but since then God has helped him to see his blood donations as a way to practice laying down his life for others.

John 15:13 says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Michael may never need to die for someone, but God gives us opportunities to offer a part of our lives in loving service to others. Giving blood is Michael's way of doing this. Spending an hour of his time in this way has given him the opportunity to trust God to work in the lives of those in need. Although he doesn't know the outcome of any of his blood donations, Michael has faith that God has provided a life-saving gift through his willingness to offer just an hour of his life for the benefit of another person.

God calls each of us to show our love for others by offering ourselves in service. What gifts or talents do we have that could make a difference in someone's life? In whatever way we choose to answer God's call, we walk in obedience and trust that God will work through our living sacrifice.

Prayer: Dear God, help us to trust and obey when you call us to sacrificial service for someone in need, in Jesus' name. Amen.