“Unexciting” sacrifices

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15:13 NLT)

I’ve sometimes wondered what my actions would be if I were in a situation where I could save a life by giving my own; but of course I know it’s not so likely that I’ll ever be tested in such a dramatic way. The challenges I’m likely to face are more prosaic, and the opportunities for “laying down my life” that come my way are more mundane.

Do I hang out with my friend who’s going through a rough patch and isn’t particularly fun to be around at that time, or do I make excuses and try to avoid him?

Do I visit my friend when she’s sick—not just once at the beginning, but regularly, if needed?

If I got a ticket to a big game, but my friend didn’t, would I be willing to give it to him?

When my friends’ choices of restaurants or activities are different from what I would have liked, do I always expect them to accommodate my wishes?

Opportunities like these for “unexciting” sacrifices come up on a daily basis and are more valid tests of my character than hypothetical life-and-death drama. - Ronan Keane [1]

To love for the sake of being loved is human, but to love for the sake of loving is angelic. - Alphonse de Lamartine (1790–1869)

[1] Activated Being a Friend