The Price of Freedom

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13

As I sat at the Memorial Day service at the Heart of the Plains Cemetery this morning, I thought about and reflected on how blessed we are to live in this country. The names of the veterans were read out loud –some present, some deceased. “America the Beautiful,” was sang by my dad and other members of the community. Pastor Scott gave the invocation and focused on love.

“If I have faith that can move mountains, but do not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2

We focus on love because the people that laid down their lives and are still fighting for us have a love for me, you, and this country. There is no greater love than making that ultimate sacrifice for us so we can live in peace and can rest our heads at night. When I think of love, I think about Jesus Christ as he too, laid down His life for me, you and everyone over 2000 years ago so that we can have eternal rest in Heaven.

“The son of man came not to be served but to serve others and give His life as ransom for many.” Mathew 20:28

I am so grateful for the men and women that have made sacrifices in their lives and have served our country. God has asked us to serve others and that’s exactly what these people have done. We might not all go to war, but we can start by serving those around us and do by example. We might not all go overseas, but we can love the people in our lives unconditionally.

This week, let’s pray for veterans and their families. Let’s be thankful to God for His own sacrifice of sending His son to die for us and declaring amazing grace on America. We have so much to be grateful for so let’s love and serve others because love never fails.

“My chains are gone. I’ve been set free. My God, My Savior has rescued me. And like a flood, His mercy reigns. Unending love. Amazing Grace.”