John 15:11-14
”I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” (NLT)

As a kid with immature faith, I took today’s verse from John pretty literally. I’d think, “Yup, I want to be Jesus’ friend for sure, so I’ll do exactly what He commands!” But deep down, I didn’t feel totally secure in my salvation (as I think many of us often struggle with), and didn’t grasp that it wasn’t about what I could do for Him, but rather, what He did for me. So I kept my eyes peeled for my chance—my chance to literally lay my life down for someone else. Like an action movie, I pictured diving through the air and taking a bullet for somebody as the ultimate move to both save them and secure my salvation without a doubt.

Laying down our lives for others is a vital part of being a friend and follower of Jesus, but He also says it’s… joy? Thinking back to the times I felt most content, or like I was finally not a total mess-up, it was usually around a time when I took a leap to be kind to a stranger, or was generous, or even just made time for a conversation with someone lonely. I think we can sometimes add grandeur to the “lay down your life” concept—perhaps out of misunderstanding, but maybe also to protect our time and efforts from the humbling reality of what it looks like to practically do it.

I’ve come to conclude that laying my life down means taking myself off of the pedestal, and doing something truly selfless—without any agenda except to show people the love of Jesus by being kind. Believe it or not, we’re positioned so uniquely for this type of work because society is so callous, divided, and self-centered. When we move in selfless ways, it draws attention—for when we live like this, not only does Jesus consider us His friend, but everyone else will know it, too.

Friday’s Reflection

We’re moving into a new year, and maybe this week of devotions has given you some ideas on how to make it a big year for your faith. A Southland group is an incredible way to put people in your path who you can love and serve, to have accountability, to meet people who genuinely care about you, and so much more. New groups are starting on January 21. Head over to southland.church/groups to learn more!