A Day of Love
True love forgets self and considers others a higher priority.
William Gladstone, in announcing the death of Princess Alice to the House of Commons, told a touching story: The little daughter of the Princess was seriously ill with diphtheria. The doctors told the princess not to kiss her little daughter and endanger her life by breathing the child's breath. Once when the child was struggling to breathe, the mother, forgetting herself entirely, took the little one into her arms to keep her from choking to death. Rasping and struggling for her life, the child said, “Momma, kiss me!” Without thinking of herself the mother tenderly kissed her daughter. She was infected with diphtheria and some days thereafter went to be forever with the Lord.
Today is a day of love. Most people will show their love today through candy, flowers, balloons, or jewelry. But both our Scripture verses and our story today show us a different type of love, a love that goes deeper than any gift that money could buy.
The good Samaritan went out of his way to help a stranger. Not only was this man a stranger, but he was of a race that hated the Samaritans. These people had ridiculed, mocked, and outcast the Samaritans. Regardless of their cultural differences, this Samaritan had compassion on the injured man and cared for him.
In much the same way, Princess Alice ignored warnings and protections to kiss her daughter. The risks were high and the consequences could be fatal, but she chose to show her love to her daughter, even if it meant death.
The good Samaritan sacrificed himself and his money to help the injured man, and Princess Alice sacrificed her life so her daughter might live. True love forgets self and considers others a higher priority. The greatest story of true love can be seen in the Gospels when Christ willingly offered Himself on the Cross for our sins. He didn’t deserve death, He didn’t deserve to be punished, yet He gladly sacrificed His life for ours.
While you celebrate love today with those you love, don’t forget to take time to thank God for His love for you. Thank Him for paying the price and exhibiting true love on Calvary.
Also, remember that true love is a sacrificial love. While you are showing others your love for them, commit to showing true love all year long. Place others above yourself and consider their needs a higher priority than your own. Only when you sacrifice for those you love will you experience true, Biblical love.
Source: DITW, February 14, 2009