“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

So, when Jesus taught that the greatest expression of love is to lay your life down for your friends… two things come to mind.

First, what does it mean to lay down one’s life. Well, Jesus did that literally. He died on the cross for us. He gave up his life. However, when referring to you and me,, that may not be practical in day to day life. Right? I mean you can only do that once, and then you are done. So, when we read that verse, we can actually apply it pragmatically in our day to day interactions with others.

For us, laying down our life could look like: not being affected by what others think when you help the homeless, marginalized, sick, elderly, incarcerated, unpopular and messy folks. Laying down our lives means putting others first by our actions. We have to give something. We can give of our time, talents or treasures. But we have to give. And, when we do so, we are showing that we are putting others ahead of our reputation, comfort, and self-centeredness.

Second, after we have the laying down our lives part, we need to clarify, who is Jesus referring to when he says, “Friends”. If we are to lay our lives down for our friends - who might that be. Well, Jesus did some great teaching about friends, and neighbors, and even enemies. And… at the end of the day - anyone you meet falls into the category: Friends. At first we probably are thinking that “Friends” would be just the folks we like, or the ones that we have stuff in common with. But, not so. Jesus is referring to all mankind. Everyone. Each of us.

Does that make sense, Friend?

What a great challenge. Let’s embrace this with intentionality and accept this opportunity to “Lay down our lives” for “Our friends”.

What do you say… are you in?

We can change the world! Let’s start today!

Learn more about how to change the world in the youth-fiction novel The Blessing Effect.