FOR THE LOVE OF A FRIENDSHIP

 

John 15:12-13 says, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Several years ago, I came across an absolutely beautiful piece of artwork. It was this huge painting depicting an American soldier standing in the middle of the portrait with red, white, and blue angel wings spread open wide on either side of him. In the background there was this ever-so-slightly American Flag painted across the entire canvas. Then, on the side were these words, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

This immediately struck home with me deeply - very deeply! For, as an American soldier myself for many years with an elite combat unit, and as one who had been deployed during war times, I knew instantly what every other soldier, sailor, airman or marine knows, and that is that verse, John 15:13, is the official scripture verse for many combat units. For, if you were to ask any combat soldier what they were fighting for; country? patriotism? Duty? Honor?, the majority would tell you that the answer is "none of the above!!!” For their answer would be - they were fighting for their brothers! For that man on the left or the right of them. They were fighting for their brothers!

Ever since I saw that painting, I had dreamed of a day when I could own my own. Sadly though, due to the high price tag on it, I could not afford to own one. Well, that is, up until my wife, Kathy, found that they had printed it on a small tin sign and bought it for me. Now I have that painting on a beautiful tin sign hanging right beside my military medals and challenge coins! It always reminds me of the men that fought beside me, and that there is “no greater love than that of a man who is willing to lay down his life for his friends! I call this "The Brotherhood Of Warriors!"

I love the way The Message Message Bible translated these verses of scripture!: "This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends!"

This is powerful stuff! And, like I said, as former soldier, I understand completely the concept of a soldier dying to save his brothers in combat. But, sadly, as a Christian, I must admit that I can't think of hardly any other Christians that I have met over the years who I believe would, or could, actually do this for another Christian. And that is sad - very sad!

We need to be a Brotherhood Of Warriors within the body of Christ! We, the brothers and sisters in the family of God, need to come together like never before. We need to develop love among the brotherhood that would stand up against the gates of hell itself! We need a unity among the brotherhood that would bind us together with a love so powerful that we each would be willing to lay down our lives for each other like Jesus Commanded us to do!

I know it seems impossible, but I truly believe that we can do it! If the world's secular armies can do it, surely we, the body of Christ, ought to be able to do it. I KNOW it can be done!! Why? Because Jesus said we can do it, that's why!