“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, KJV)
Introduction
Nancy, a devout believer, had lately found herself in a spiritual rut. She wondered what it truly meant to love others the way Jesus does. Then, she heard the story of Farmer John and a helpless baby horse, told by the farm workers who witnessed it. The story changed her perception of what love really means.
Devotional Story
On a bitterly cold winter morning, Farmer John discovered a baby horse stuck in a frozen pond. His farm workers and some folks who were just passing by watched as he quickly removed his warm jacket and shirt without a second thought. Shivering in the icy wind, he waded into the pond and lifted the struggling animal into his arms.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13, KJV)
Witnessing this, the onlookers and farm workers couldn’t help but be moved. Nancy, hearing the account later, felt her heart swell with admiration for John’s selfless act.
As John made his way back to the shore, his body quaking from the cold, he wrapped his discarded clothing around the shivering foal. The workers hurriedly brought blankets and joined in to help warm the animal.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:18, KJV)
Nancy felt like the message was loud and clear. True love wasn’t just words or good intentions; it was actions, even if those actions meant personal discomfort or risk.
Conclusion
Nancy’s spirit was lifted that day. The story was more than just heartwarming; it served as a vivid example of the depth of love Christ calls each of us to have for others. The farm workers and those who witnessed John’s act couldn’t forget what they saw; neither could Nancy. It urged her to examine her own life and how she could manifest this kind of love to others.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9, KJV)
This lesson, witnessed by ordinary folks and shared with Nancy, affirmed that true love often requires us to go beyond our comfort zones. It challenged her to be more Christ-like, to be a person who loves not just in words, but in meaningful action.
And Jesus called the people unto him, and said, “Here’s a tale that happened not so long ago.”
And He began, “True love involves sacrifice, for to love is to serve.”
“Therefore, anyone who humbles himself to help another shows the love I teach.”
“And he that does good unto even the least of these, does it unto me.” (Matthew 25:40)