“This is how we have come to know love. He laid down his life for us. We should also lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.”

Attempting to interpret the scripture through adolescent lenses, I would have insisted that the greatest accomplishment in life involved laying aside all your responsibilities, even your own life, if that meant saving a friend. What a joy is it to grow in wisdom and understanding?

I love this verse, not because of the crucifixion, but because Jesus sacrificed his daily lifestyle and the opportunity to grow closer to his own community. This left us with an example of how impactful answering call-to-actions can be for our peers and generations to come. Committing His life to revealing God’s glory in this way seems so grand and too great of a work to tier. However, we have the ability to do this same work in practical ways by building genuine relationships and being good stewards within our communities. Despite the many opportunities we have to ignore the principles of God, l et this be your motivation to continue being the salt of the Earth as you were destined. For your community, no gesture nor word of prayer is too small or unimportant when you’re doing it for the glory of God. 

Our sovereign God, the great I Am , I come to you in thanksgiving knowing my strength is restored when I delight in you. I pray that you enhance my discernment as I commit to seeking you, so every action towards myself and the community in which you’ve blessed me honors you and reveals your glory. It is my heart’s desire that every aspect of your character be lifted on Earth through our daily dedication to serve you.

All these things I ask in your Son’s holy name,

Amen and Amen.