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This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
~John 15:12-13~
We usually think of this saying of Jesus in terms of being willing to take a bullet for someone we love, but of course very few of us will be called upon to make that sacrifice. Perhaps being a trustworthy and faithful friend - a Christlike friend - involves smaller, everyday sacrifices. Am I able to put my friend's needs ahead of my own wants and convenience? Do I need to have the last word or winning argument, or can I listen well and share meaningful conversation? When someone I love needs to be confronted, can I sacrifice my desire to be "right" and look for a way to speak the truth in love and with the goal of seeing their best?
The lighthouse keeper had the responsibility of keeping the beacon lit to warn sailors away from danger and point them to safety. Their commitment to their duty meant they often sacrificed their own convenience, comfort, and even safety in order to preserve the lives of the sailors. Laying down their lives a little at a time in many cases, by staying awake in the long watches of the night, being faithful in climbing the lighthouse stairs and lighting the lamps, and by putting their own comfort and safety aside to make sure the lamps were lit especially during storms.
I'll be linking with my friend Lynn at This Day Has Great Potential, on the topic of Friendship this week, as well as at the following weekly Link-ups:
The lighthouse keeper had the responsibility of keeping the beacon lit to warn sailors away from danger and point them to safety. Their commitment to their duty meant they often sacrificed their own convenience, comfort, and even safety in order to preserve the lives of the sailors. Laying down their lives a little at a time in many cases, by staying awake in the long watches of the night, being faithful in climbing the lighthouse stairs and lighting the lamps, and by putting their own comfort and safety aside to make sure the lamps were lit especially during storms.
I'll be linking with my friend Lynn at This Day Has Great Potential, on the topic of Friendship this week, as well as at the following weekly Link-ups:
I loved your post. It is like leaving oil in the lamp. Am I willing to be that kind of friend that lets a friend be who they are in Christ. Blessings Your neighbor at weekend brew.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this. Yes! Yes! Yes! I want to be a lighthouse friend. Thank you for that beautiful imagery.
ReplyDeleteI love lighthouses. They signify light in the midst of darkness and strength to me. Your posts are always so encouraging. Thank you for sharing at The Weekend Brew!
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