Remembering Jesus and Pay it Forward

I was treated to an act of kindness by a brother in the Lord today. It is humbling when that happens.  It happens pretty regularly when you are a person involved in public ministry.  People feel they need to find some way to “repay” your role in their conversion or growth in Christ.  I really do appreciate the heart.  But, today, as we are considering those who paid an ultimate price to help us live as free Americans, let me offer another way to bestow that gratitude. Jesus looked at Peter, after paying the ultimate price for Peter’s infractions, and simply encouraged Him by saying “If you love me, take care of those that I also love.” (John 21) That wasn’t a new statement from Him.  He encouraged them in John 15 to love others, one another, as He has loved them.  In other words, if you really value the love I have shown to you, don’t merely show it to me, give that love to them and show them how awesome it is.