No Greater Love

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

During the month of February, there are three things that our nation takes the time to recognize and remember. The whole month of February is designated as Black History Month, honoring notable people of color for the contributions made in American History. We also take the time to recognize the birthdays of two of our nation’s presidents: President George Washington and President Abraham Lincoln, honoring these two men for their contributions to American History. And finally, we recognize Valentine’s Day, which many people view as a celebration of love. In addition to all of this, in the church we begin the season of Lent in the month of February.

So let’s consider this: when we honor someone, we do so because of something that they have done or accomplished that is well worth remembering. But do we ever consider what motivated these people to do the things or accomplish the things for which we honor them?

I would venture to say that over 90% of these people did the things that they did because of their love for their fellow man. They sought to provide freedom and compassion as people suffered tyranny, slavery, illness, or other terrible and painful conditions.

Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

Out of the greatest love of all, Jesus came to lay down His life for all mankind, to free us from the tyranny of Satan, from slavery to sin, and from all the consequences that they both bring upon us, including death itself.

So before we honor notable people or presidents for their contributions to our nation and our society, let us take the time to honor the One who made the most loving contribution of all. Let us take the time, the extra hour per week, to honor our Lord and Savior for the greatest love ever given, the greatest sacrifice ever made. Let us honor Jesus by coming to His house, and remembering the events that led up to the most loving accomplishment ever in the history of the world.

Let us come and honor, worship and praise our eternal Savior and King, Jesus the Son of God.

In His love,

Pastor Paul Pett