"Memorial Day: Freedom isn't Free!"
- Rita Larson
- May 29, 2023
- 3 min read
Memorial Day is a special day for all Americans. It is a day of remembrance and gratitude for our brave men and women in the military who have given their lives in service to our country. This day is also a time to reflect on the ultimate price of freedom and to recognize the sacrifices made by those who have gone before us.
Memorial Day has a special significance for those of us who follow Jesus. Scripture reminds us of the ultimate cost of freedom, as Jesus himself tells us in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice of love and the ultimate example of what it means to give one’s life for another. Freedom isn’t free. In fact, the cost is significant. In addition to the blood of Jesus, the members of the armed forces sacrifice their families, their friends, their holidays and so much more, including their life at times. Our freedom comes with a hefty price tag!
We are told in John 3:16 that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Then, in 1 John 3:16, we read, "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." First, in John, God is telling us about His love for us and the sacrifice that is made. Then, in 1 John, we are called to be willing to make the same sacrifice for one another. We are all called to live a life of service to one another and be willing to sacrifice for one another. As we remember those who have given their lives in service to our country, we are also called to remember the freedom we have in Jesus. Our freedom came with a price, but praise God, the debt has been paid in full!
Galatians 5:13 tells us “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” This verse reminds us that our freedom in Christ is something to be cherished and not taken for granted. As Christians, we should use this freedom to serve others and share the meaning of true freedom in Christ. This is the same spirit that is embodied in the sacrifice of our military men and women, who have chosen to fight and die for our country and our freedoms. Thank you to all of the service men and women who are sacrificing for us all, each and every day! God sees you!
This Memorial Day, let us remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Let us take a moment to pause and reflect on the ultimate price of freedom – and the freedom we have in Jesus. Let us honor those who have gone before us and celebrate the liberty and justice for which they fought and died. May we never forget the courage and sacrifice of our service men and women, and may we all take a moment and thank God for the freedom we have in Him. God Bless America! ©Rita Larson 5/29/2023
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