Matthew 22:37-39, "Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and the most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'"

Think

The greatest commandment Jesus said was to love God and the second most important commandment was like it, to love others. Two commandments we should never forget. Today, in the United States, we break from our normal schedules to remember and honor so many men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have died while serving their country. They willingly gave their lives so that generations of Americans and countless others around the world could be free from tyranny and oppression. We are forever grateful to them. Jesus said, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. Though the vast majority of us will not be asked to sacrifice our life for another we are called to live a life of sacrifice. We are called to live a life dedicated to freeing others from the tyranny and oppression of sin in their lives. How do we do this? We are called to love others like Jesus loves us. We are called to daily pray for others and to look for opportunities to lead others to Jesus. It is through Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection that ultimate freedom will always be found. He alone was capable of laying down his life so that all could truly be free. He gave his life so death itself could be defeated in our life. Now that is something we must always remember!

Act

Take a moment today with your family or a friend and talk about what you are most grateful for. Consider those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that you could enjoy all that you have.

Pray

Lord, we thank you for the precious lives of our fallen heroes and we pray for their families who have a constant reminder of the cost of freedom. For Memorial Day is every day for them. We pray that you comfort these families and may they experience the peace that only comes from you Jesus.