Love That Lives: From the Cornfield to the Cross
OPENING PRAYER:
God, awaken me to the reality that love is a matter of life and death. Teach me to see my ordinary actions as opportunities for extraordinary impact.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 (NIV)
Jesus foreshadows His own sacrifice, teaching that love is proven in costly, self-giving action.
REFLECT:
The message took us from the cornfields of Kansas to the leper colonies of India—a powerful reminder that love looks different depending on where you stand, but its essence is always sacrifice. Pastor Rodney told of handing out fruit in a place where it might be the only meal someone received all week. For those lepers, fruit meant life or death.
How easy it is for us to take abundance for granted, to forget that our smallest acts of love—our “fruit”—can be someone else’s lifeline. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Every time you serve, give, or sacrifice for another, you echo Christ’s path to the cross. The world may see your act as small, but in God’s eyes, it’s the currency of eternity. Don’t discount the power of your fruit. Your love, when given away, can change a life, a family, a community. This is how the world sees Jesus: through your costly, living love.
APPLY:
This weekend, we talked about taking the next step—and sometimes that step is simply getting started. If you've never served at Pathway, or if it's been a while, we'd love to help you find your place. Just open the Pathway App, tap Get Involved, or visit the website at pathwaychurch.com/volunteer to explore where you could jump in. And if you're already serving, here's your challenge this week: invite someone to serve alongside you. Some of the greatest growth happens when we serve together, so don't keep that opportunity to yourself!
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will take one concrete step towards serving, or I will invite someone to serve with me.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for laying down Your life for me. Let my love be more than words—make it a living sacrifice that points others to You.
PRAYER REQUEST:
Share your prayer request and pray for others.