“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (NLT)

When I was a kid, I used to enjoy playing baseball and softball.  One of the plays that was necessary, but sometimes more stressful than just swinging away, was the sacrifice bunt or sac fly.  Why would I intentionally try to get called out?  Of course, the reasoning was to benefit the greater good. It either moved one of my teammates into a scoring position or allowed our team to score. The value of the sacrifice was clearly seen and understood. I practiced the swings as much, if not more, than other plays.  If I was called on to make a sacrifice, I didn’t want to mess it up. This is a key to success in baseball and softball. In its own way, it illustrated a life lesson. It meant putting the interest/need of others before myself. I needed to get good at sacrificing to help someone else succeed. That’s a crazy thought... but it brings up a key question: What are you willing to sacrifice for a friend?  

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Love is often portrayed in movies, tv shows, and books as a feeling—something we fall into or out of. But Jesus presents a different picture: love is sacrifice. His ultimate expression of love was laying down His life for us. This is the standard He sets, not just for marriage but for every relationship rooted in His love.

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At the beginning of Ephesians 5, there is a clear message… “Imitate God in everything you do…” Paul also goes on to describe the mystery of marriage as a reflection of Christ and the Church. This profound truth shows us that love is not about what we receive but about what we give. Whether we are married, single, or somewhere in between, we are all called to embody this sacrificial love in our relationships.  

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For those who are married, this means selfless love that seeks the good of one’s spouse over personal desires. It’s a love that listens, forgives, and serves, even when it’s inconvenient. For those who are single, this principle remains just as powerful—whether in friendships, family, or community. The love Jesus calls us to is a love that gives, that surrenders, that lays itself down.

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Our culture often tells us to seek relationships for what they can do for us. But Jesus flips this perspective—love is about what we can offer. This truth compels us deeper into Christ’s love, shaping us into people who reflect His selfless nature.

So... what does this mean for you and me? It means that we are called to imitate God’s love.

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How do we do that? Let’s examine ourselves on how well we answer these questions:

• In what ways can I practice sacrificial love today? For example, how can I love my spouse, my friends, my family members, and those in my community?

• How does Jesus’ example challenge the way I view love in my relationships?

• How should I pray and ask God to help me love others the way Christ loves me?  

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I haven’t figured it all out, but I work to grow and improve at it every day. One way is to ask God for opportunities to put others before ourselves, whether at home, work, or other gathering places. Like with the baseball play, it takes practice. Will you join me on this journey?  

Lord, thank You for showing me what real love looks like. Teach me to love selflessly, whether in marriage, friendships, or in my community. Help me reflect Your love in the way I serve, forgive, and give of myself. Draw me deeper into Your mystery of love, that I may know You more and make Your love known to others. Amen.