Yesterday we stopped to get our kids each their own little bag of donuts. I had bought our youngest son a new flavor in which he hadn’t had before. Although he gave it his best try, he didn’t care for it. He was polite about it. Although our oldest knew that his little brother liked the kind that he had. So, he told his brother he would trade with him. My oldest, fortunately did like the new ones. Though he was willing to make a trade for his first choice, so his brother could have donuts he liked too. It was one of those moments, where as parents, our hearts were filled with pride. We were so proud of him for being willing to make a sacrifice for his brother. It is a beautiful thing when we put others before ourselves. When we can find joy, in bringing it to others. Friend, we live in a ‘me’ world. A do what makes ‘you’ happy world. A world that puts a lot of emphasis on self, and not enough on how to really love others. Whether it’s giving your special donuts to your little brother, giving up your seat on a subway or just doing anything that puts others before yourself. Loving yourself is important, but loving others is so very important too. May we love louder and show kindness and empathy toward one another.  May we consider others and not just ourselves. May we be compassionate and caring. May we love like Jesus.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Love like Jesus

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV

No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.

Matthew 20:27-28 NIV

and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Hebrews 13:16 NIV

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

John 15:13 NIV

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.