John 15:13,  “Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

While this verse is used often here in the U.S. on Memorial Day, it is what Jesus told the disciples about loving as He loved.  It is a fitting verse for Memorial Day because so many men and women have given their lives to preserve freedom in our country and around the world.  We are called to love as Jesus loves and He gave His life for us so we could spend eternity with Him.  We are called to stand for what is right by knowing the Word of God which clearly shows us.  We are called to share His love and “free the captives” by sharing the Good News of His salvation with them.  

Memorial Day here originated because of all of the lives lost on our own soil here in the U.S. because of the Civil War which was the battle for freedom from slavery and to keep our country undivided!  We are now called to fight the spiritual battle of slavery for those around us!  We have answers they so desperately need.  Who do you know that is being held captive that satan is trying to destroy?  The world has wandered so far from God it’s crazy and everything seems to be upside down and backward! How will they know the truth if we don’t take a stand and if we aren’t praying for them?  There are people around the world who do not have religious freedoms and we need to keep them in our prayers and if we have the ability to help those who are fighting for them then we need to help.  Put action to what you believe.  James 2 talks about the fact that if we don’t act on what we believe then what we believe is dead!  That’s a scary thought because take a look around at where the world is and it seems as though evil has been standing and speaking more loudly than we have or something because the world is an absolute mess.  

The answer is Jesus.  He holds all of the answers and He loves beyond measure!  So, whether you live here or in another country we can all still all celebrate “Memorial Day” a day to celebrate the freedoms we are blessed with because of men and women who have given their lives for it and for Jesus who has given us the ultimate freedom from sin and death!  He loves you and He loves those around you!  Honor Him by loving and fighting for them too on whatever level He is calling you to.