For 26 years, Namibia fought for its independence. South West Africa, as it was called at that time, was governed by South Africa and the ruling party simply did not want the country to be governed by its people. 

Young men were obliged to go to war for one to two years straight after school, or when they had finished their studies. I was one of those who sacrificed two years of my life, and, without realising it at the time, was prepared to die for my country. 

That’s what they call a patriot. Someone who loves their homeland so much that they’re prepared to give their life for their country. Not just for two years, but forever, because in the process of showing love and crawling around with guns and cannons, they could’ve died in the crossfire. 

I wonder if I truly was a patriot. At that time on the border, I likely believed so and saluted the South African flag with pride. But looking back now, I realise I was only there because I was forced by the country’s laws.  

One must really love one’s country to be willing to give one’s life for it. To lay down one’s life for the sake of something or someone else must be driven by a lot of love.  

God’s love is greater. Indeed, Jesus’ loving heart yearned for all His children who were unable to reach Him, compelling Him to create a plan, a plan of love, to redeem the world. 

To make His plan work, Jesus had to sacrifice His life. And Jesus was willing and did it. He did not lay down His life for a country or two. No, He gave His life, sacrificed on the cross, for the whole world. For every person on earth. 

Jesus was a true patriot. His love for people was just too great to shy away from the greatest war yet. Fortunately, Jesus emerged victorious and defeated the enemy. 

Thank goodness for that, because now you and I and all who have accepted Jesus as our Saviour can live in freedom. We no longer suffer under the heavy control of evil. 

Because we live under Jesus’ control, we are expected to do as our Ruler does. Now, we can’t live as we want to. There is really only one law in the Kingdom: live like Jesus. Do as He did. 

And how do you do that? You must be willing to lay down your life, just like He did. 16This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. 

Maybe we’re not physically called to a battle where we can be shot dead, but rather to live a life where we put our selfish own self aside and put others first. 

We are called daily to put others first, like Jesus, in both big and small ways, and to put ourselves last. It’s not easy, but with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do it. Let’s go and die for others everywhere, because that is what true love does. A true Christ-patriot. 

Scripture
1 John 3:11-18 

Reflection
Does your love for Jesus drive you to be a true patriot?
Are you willing to put others first?
Where do you struggle to die for others? 

Prayer
Jesus, thank you that I can see and learn what true love is. I also want to do as You do and lay down my life for others, but it’s hard. Give me the strength and wisdom to do this in every moment. Amen.