The world acclaims so many things as great achievements and praises people for their accomplishments. But there is one thing that can be called as the greatest attainment, and that is knowing the meaning of the word “friend” and identifying the person who alone fits the most to that level of love that dares sacrifice the very life for the eternal benefit of a friend. His friends had the privilege of being called by Jesus by the most precious title in the world, when He declared: “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (Jn 15:13-14). We need a lifetime to meditate, understand and comprehend the true meaning of this friendship. The realisation of this truth revolutionised the life of Saul, who got transformed into Paul to respond to the purest form of love, and invites us to possess the mystery: “and he died for all, that they that live should no longer live unto themselves, but unto him who for their sakes died and rose again.” (2 Cor 5:15) Living for Him alone can be the only way that we can reciprocate His love, for true love costs life. 

Abba, Thank You for bestowing upon us this unmerited love. Let Your Spirit make us experience, live and express this love in our life and extend to the people who deserve our genuine love, by imitating the life-costing love, In Jesus’ Most Loving Name, Amen.