Many Churches, One Lord: Let us love like Jesus
Sunday will be the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Many people will remember where they were when the news spread across the world. People born at or after the turn of the century have no first-hand memory of the deadliest terrorist attack in our history. The attack also was the single most deadly event for firefighters and law enforcement officers in history.
We are reminded of the words of Jesus as we remember the people that died trying to rescue others" “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
We may never know about the faith of these heroic people but we do know of their sacrifice. The surviving families will always hold the memory of these people in their hearts. We can be assured their service was well-pleasing to God. As the Bible affirms, “Let mutual affection continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember … those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured.”
On Sunday first responders will be honored as we celebrate Patriot Day. For many, this day will bring back memories of the terrible tragedy of 9/11. We will honor the victims who died and those who died responding to the emergency of the day. Many of the current first responders we honor will be the generation that deserves to be remembered. They will be the people that are dedicated to responding to a call regardless of the time or circumstance. Jesus will honor the love they exhibit for others. We know many of the first responders will be the angels that we will entertain without knowing it.
On this Patriot Day let us love like Jesus and act like the angels the world needs in a world plagued by evil and hate. Let mutual affection abound in every human heart.
Clayton Coffey is the minister at the Koinonia Team Ministry
This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Let us love like Jesus
