“The world is going to hell in a handbasket.” My dad walked to the television and switched the channel. “All the news wants to show you is the body count. They forget about the love laying on the battleground.”
The thick of the Vietnam War news coverage forced Dad to relive his own WWII hand-to-hand combat experiences. “Nobody looks at the sacrifice of love those boys made.” Tears filled his eyes. “Without their love, this country would be nothing.”
Paul nailed the definition of what love is and what it isn’t. Be it the love for a spouse, a child, or a friend . . . or the massive love of laying down your life for those you love. He made it clear that regardless of the talents, gifts, or possessions we have, we are nothing without love.
In other words, love is the basis of everything. God gave His son to die for us. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is. He could have left us to our sin and eternity without Him, but God wants us all in eternity. In that knowledge, He gave us Jesus, because without love, we are nothing. I give my gratitude and praise for His sacrifice.
February 14 seems to focus on the love for our spouses or significant others. Children give paper valentines with little understanding of what it means to “give love.” Help them understand what it means to freely give love.
Dad was right. We forget the love that lies dead on the battlefield.
Jesus told us there is no greater love than that of one who lays down his life for a friend. This Valentine’s Day, by all means, show love to your spouse, children, and friends. But I encourage you to send a love letter to the family of a fallen soldier. Without that kind of love, this country would be nothing.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Cindy K. Sproles is a best-selling, award-winning author. She is a speaker and a conference teacher who teaches nationwide. Cindy is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries, www.christiandevotions.us, and www.inspireafire.com. She serves as a writing mentor with WRAMS (Writing Write Author Mentoring Service) and is the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com.