A Love that Sacrifices

“State your name and business,” the guard at the gate of the prison ordered. “And be quick about it!” Onesiphorus swallowed hard. “My name is Onesiphorus, and I am seeking Paul of Tarsus. Can you tell me where he is?” The soldier narrowed his eyes. “Are you an accomplice of this Paul? He is our prisoner and a notorious enemy of Rome.” Onesiphorus did not back down. “He is my friend. I must find him! If you can, please take me to him.” “Very well, I’ll let you see him. But watch your step, or you might find yourself sharing his cell.” The soldier turned on his heel and led Onesiphorus down the prison corridors. “Paul!” Onesiphorus cried when he saw the haggard face of the missionary. “Onesiphorus?” Paul looked up and could hardly believe his eyes. Then a new light lit up his face. “Onesiphorus!” He reached toward his smiling friend. “Glad you came, brother.” • • • We don’t know much about Onesiphorus. He is only mentioned briefly in one of Paul’s letters to Timothy, yet his story is inspiring and exemplifies the way God calls us to love and show mercy. As Paul describes what Onesiphorus did for him, you can almost hear the tenderness in his voice. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, Onesiphorus searched everywhere for him, then visited and encouraged him often, even though this was a dangerous thing to do. Like Onesiphorus, we are called to love sacrificially. God calls us to love and serve others even when it means giving up something important, like safety, reputation, or comfort. As Christians, we love this way because Jesus loved us first (1 John 4:19), and He commands us to love one another as He has loved us. Jesus showed the greatest love by laying down His life for us. As His followers, we’re called to have a love that sacrifices. No matter the cost. • Angela Faith • What does it mean to lay down your life for someone (as mentioned in today’s Scripture passages)? How did Jesus lay down His life for us? (Check out our “Know Jesus” page.) We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16 (NLT)

Read Verses:

John 15:12-John 15:13; 2 Timothy 1:16-2 Timothy 1:18; 1 John 3:16-1 John 3:18