Greater Love

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” – John 15:13

So. This might be the most romantic verse in the Bible.

There is no greater love than love that makes you willing to give up your life for the one that you love. While I believe that it might include that readiness to jump in front of a bullet meant for your love, I do not think its meaning is exclusive to, or even primarily about, your physical life.

Have you ever loved someone so much that you’d alter your life plans in order to better support and complement the person you love? Have you ever loved someone so much that you would give up the things that make you happy for the person that brings you joy? Have you ever made changes and broken habits for your lover and friend? This is laying down your life.

Why is it OK to lay down our lives for EVERYTHING except for love? We lay down our lives for our careers, for our financial obligations, for our vices. Nobody looks at you crazy when you pick up your life and move to another state for a job. No one judges you when you stop going to nightclubs because your wallet tells you to. But let us do these things for love. We’re seen as weak or flighty or stupid.

I want greater love. I want to offer greater love. This verse isn’t about being weak and giving in to a person; it’s about being strong enough to walk away from your comfort zone for real love.