Love builds a better future

Recent events in the United States and throughout the world have been very disturbing. Over a 72-hour period in the U.S., bombs were sent to various politicians and prominent individuals on the left, a man killed two AfricanAmericans in a supermarket, and another man killed 11 in an attack on a synagogue in Pittsburgh. What is going on?

Hatred breeds violence. But hatred itself is rooted in fear. A person is fearful for whatever reason — perhaps they feel disenfranchised or forgotten by society, and then in turn, they lash out at the “other” people who look different, worship in a different fashion, or hold differing political views.

The 11th of November is, of course, Remembrance Day. It is a time set aside partly to acknowledge the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the most horrendous war known by humanity up to that point came to an end 100 years ago in 1918. It is a time to remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the sake of freedom.

It is important to note the motivating factor though. While fear was fomented in both the First and Second World War s, these young men and women enlisted less out of fear than out of love: the love of “king and country.” Sacrifice is for a greater cause than oneself and is not primarily out of fear. Sacrifice is motivated by a vision of a greater society and purpose. Sacrifice gives of oneself and doesn’t take from others.

The greatest example of sacrifice was, of course, Jesus. Christ says in John 15:13: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” On the cross Jesus laid down his life in a sacrifice of love for the good of all humanity. There was no self-service or aggrandisement in this action. It was for others: for you and me.

The Church has its own Remembrance Day of sorts in All Saints Day. We remember those who have gone before; those who sacrificed for us; and the martyrs who have laid down their lives for the cause of the Gospel. “There is no greater love” than laying down our lives for something greater than ourselves. There is no greater love than laying down our lives for Someone greater: Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

Hate ultimately gains nothing but destruction. Love builds a better future. 100 years ago, the war that was supposed to end all wars led instead to an even greater conflagration. Let’s not repeat that mistake.

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

Pastor Jim Bredeson is senior pastor at Victory Lutheran Church.