Honoring Veterans
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
On the last Monday of May each year, our nation observes Memorial Day. This holiday remembers the men and women who lost their lives in the defense of our country.
One of the important values of Christianity is the worth of every individual. The willingness of people to lose their lives for a noble cause commands our admiration. Jesus said that such sacrifices demonstrate the greatest love one person can show for others.
Jesus himself demonstrated this selflessness. Not only did he go to the cross for our sakes, but he endured many hardships and humiliations during his earthly ministry. He is the perfect example of human love, and we love God more deeply because of his sacrifice for our sakes.
Wartime calls forth great sacrifices from people. There is much at stake in time of war. The lives of many are at risk. The values of nations pit themselves against one another. Historically, we, as Americans, have believed that a great battle between good and evil was taking place in the various world wars. By the grace of God, those on the side of freedom and liberty have most often been victorious.
Today we recognize the sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the service of our country. Such losses certainly have great impact on the effected families. Those impacts change the destinies of families, often for generations. That we honor their courage and sacrifice is a small thing in comparison to their sacrifice. We ask that God will continue to comfort those whose lives are negatively impacted by such demonstrations of love in a noble cause.
We also pray for peace. As we remember those who fell in a time of war, we pray that leaders, both in our nation and around the world, will make wise decisions. We pray that war may be avoided. We pray for reconciliation between those who are at odds. The scriptures encourage justice in human societies. They also remind us that true peace is found in God. Societies who seek after God have a greater chance at finding peace and justice than those that do not.
Memorial Day gives us an occasion for reflection. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation free. Today we honor their memory and pray for both peace and justice in our world.