Tuesday, April 3, 2007
John 15:13
John 15:13 says-"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay his life for his friends." Now for the question. Why doesn't it say "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his (enemies)? I think laying down your life for your "enemies" is better than for your friends. My question to you is why do you think it says friends and not enemies?
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9 comments:
wowah...pax, this is a great/deep question to be coming from a little whipper-snapper like you!! ;-)
with that said..I need to think on this before answering
ciao!
God is talking to us humans--he died for us while we were still His enemies--He knew we would never get that concept so He's Keepin' it simple for us mere mortals "lay down your life for your friends" and He knows and we know we have our hands full trying to live out that one.
We should be friends to our enemies. This is what Jesus did.
Pax, this is a very thought-provoking question.
I think the Scriptures refer to two basic forms of love. One involves treating someone well, as in the command to love our enemies. The other is connected to our positive emotions and affections, as in Jacob's love for Rachel. The first is accomplished by force of will. The other comes naturally.
The greatest love would be a combination of both. We would desire the good of someone with all our heart, and be courageous enough to sacrifice our very life for the sake of the beloved.
Lo, I don't see how your response connects to Pax's question?
he only died for his friends. he didn't die for everyone. you are not friends with jesus unless you are his child. jesus showed the greatest love. he made us his friends by dying for his children.
I think it says friends because if you die for someone - REGARDLESS of what you were before that point - you would consider them a friend if they laid down their life for you.
I also wanted to add that I am impressed with your intelligent and thoughtful questions Pax! Keep um coming!
Well written article.
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