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No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
-John 15:13
This Sunday was Youth Sunday. There were a lot of moments that were great examples of how our youth have learned to walk in what ancient people called “followers of the Way,” being disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. They took special care in their preparations, wrote beautiful prayers and liturgy, practiced music, and studied scripture to give sermons that led us to think and learn and grow. The creativity and camaraderie of the young women who prepared our children's message was evident. But one moment caught my eye. Even with the years I’ve spent in leading worship and preaching, I’m always nervous to do it and bring God’s word and not just my own thoughts. It can be daunting.
Our first youth preacher, a senior, finished his superb message and turned to sit back down. Our second preacher, a junior, stood and touched him on the arm and smiled. He whispered what a good job he’d just done. It was a small gesture, but deeply genuine. I was so proud to see my youth encouraging each other. We hope they will each do their own best and not discourage each other, the model they see too often in school and this world. But actively encouraging one another is truly walking in the Way.
Courage comes from the word for heart. To discourage someone is literally to take the heart out of them. And to encourage them is to give them some of your own. It is life-giving. Taking a moment to set aside your own worries and struggles and prioritize the life of someone else and honor their struggles, their work, their joys, is laying down one’s life for another. And we are told that is an act of love and that there is no greater love. This week, find moments, hours, or days to lay down your life for others in moments where you can give them a piece of your heart. As someone wise once said, “This is the Way."
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