This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16, NIV)
One thing I learned early in my walk with Jesus is that you cannot live the Christian life alone. God created us to have relationship with him and relationship with others.
The Masters is always a treat to watch. And this year’s version, with Fred Couples’ Friday night lead, Phil Mickelson’s Saturday charge, Louis Oosthuizen’s early Sunday double eagle, and Bubba Watson’s streak to the finish—well, WOW!
But what really captured my attention this year were the expressions of significant friendship that filled the moments after Bubba’s winning tap-in. His caddie gave him a big smile and hug, his mother came onto the green and the two shared a long embrace, then his buddies from the Tour Bible study—Aaron Baddeley, Ben Crane, and Rickie Fowler among them—hugged Bubba in proud congratulations of their brother in Christ.
I’ve been familiar with the expression “band of brothers” for some time now. We even use it among our Links Players staff (though we sure are glad to share all this with our wives, too!). But as I reflected on those Masters moments and read John’s words about laying down our lives for our friends, the expression really dug its way into my thinking.
Jesus—as we remembered in various meaningful ways last week—died on the cross for us. He laid down his life for you and me. And what John was saying in his own reflection on that selfless act was that we need to do the same for our brothers and sisters.
That’s no small consideration, no easy thing to do. Who would I lay down my life for? My wife, my children, my grandchildren, my parents—who else? Those I have a close relationship with. My brothers and sisters in Christ. Those friends of the heart. They are not acquaintances, but people I truly love because we have a close relationship. They have invested time in me, and I have been able to do the same for them.
In Jesus, God got this personal with us. He loved us in the deepest, most difficult way. And he loves us even now. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes that while one alone may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. Imagine how powerful it is that we are united with Christ!
So I strongly encourage our Links Fellowships to become bands of brothers, bands of sisters. It happens when we meet in Christ-centered fellowship and grow in love for each other. It’s amazing how a common commitment to meeting together can result in an uncommon commitment to love and support one another!
If you don’t have a band of brothers or sisters, I would encourage you to find a Links Fellowship, a Bible study, or a small group at your local church. Or start a Links Fellowship in your area if there is not one. You’ll never regret your dedicated friendships in Jesus.
—
Dereck Wong
April 12, 2012
Copyright © 2012 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday through Friday at www.linksplayers.com.