https://odb.org/2024/02/16/love-all
When it comes to the commandments, the first is always love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). The second is to love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:39). The third is love each other as I (Jesus) have loved you (John 15:12). The third commandment is higher because Jesus laid down His life for us. He died for our sins on the cross. In John 12, Jesus taught that there is no greater love than a man who lays down his life for another. That reminds me of stories of men who gave up their places in the life boats for women and children, and Christians for non-Christians when the Titanic sank so that the latter ones may live on and still have a chance to embrace Christ and be saved for eternity.
Are we able to lay our lives down for others? Yes, in terms of our service in church and ministry. Yes, in terms of being kind and caring towards our brethren. In exchange for our life? Perhaps only for our spouse and our children. There are limitations as to how much we are willing to lay down our lives for one another. This third commandment of Christ is surely the most challenging. We could take heed of Paul’s declaration that for him to die is gain, but to live is Christ (Philippians 1:12). If we were to die for another, we would definitely and surely be with Christ, and thus, it will be our most significant gain in this life for eternal life.
If we were to live to go through the coming Great Tribulation, we could be tested whether we are willing to die for Christ or for another. Let’s make the right and wise choice if we were ever required to make such a call in time to come.
Ronnie's Thoughts 