How God’s Great Love Inspired My Journey into Ministry
Reflecting on the Meaning of “No Greater Love”
Growing up in faith, I often heard the verse, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). At first, these words sounded like something reserved for heroes—soldiers, firefighters, people who make the ultimate sacrifice. But as I grew older, I realized that Jesus’ message of “no greater love” was far more personal and transformative than I ever could have imagined. It was not just about dying for someone; it was about living every day with a selfless heart, serving others even when it’s inconvenient or challenging.
The Power of Selfless Sacrifice
Understanding selfless sacrifice was the turning point in my spiritual journey. Jesus didn’t just die for people who were good or deserving—he laid down his life for everyone, even those who rejected him. This kind of love is radical and hard to grasp. It challenges the natural instinct to protect myself, to cling to comfort and safety. For me, seeing the depth of this love awakened a desire to reflect it in my own life. I became convicted that true love means putting others first, even when it costs me something valuable like time, energy, or resources.
God’s Great Love: A Call to Ministry
It was God’s immeasurable love—his willingness to sacrifice, to reach out even to those who may never return the favor—that called me into ministry. I remember wrestling with questions: Am I willing to serve those who might not appreciate it? Can I love without expecting anything in return? In prayer and reflection, I felt God’s Spirit nudging me: “This is the love I want you to share.” Ministry, I realized, isn’t about accolades or recognition; it’s about showing up for others, being a light in their darkest moments, and loving them as Christ loved me.
The Everyday Challenge of Loving Like Jesus
Living out “no greater love” is rarely dramatic. Most days, it means small acts of kindness—a listening ear, a helping hand, a quiet prayer for someone in need. Sometimes it means enduring misunderstandings or giving when I feel empty myself. But each sacrifice, however small, is an echo of Christ’s ultimate gift. In ministry, I’ve discovered that love is a choice made over and over, especially when it’s hard.
Selfless Love Brings Lasting Joy
What I’ve found is that living for others brings an unexpected, lasting joy. The fleeting happiness of selfish pursuits pale in comparison to the deep fulfillment that comes from loving sacrificially. When I serve others in God’s name, I experience a peace and satisfaction that no material reward can match. This joy isn’t loud or flashy—it’s a quiet assurance that my life has purpose and meaning, rooted in something far greater than myself.
Conclusion: Called to Love
The message of “no greater love” is at the heart of my calling. God’s great love for me compelled me to respond, to step out of comfort, and to minister to others. Whether it’s in formal ministry or everyday interactions, I strive to reflect the love that changed my life—a love that reaches beyond boundaries, sacrifices without measure, and expects nothing in return. My prayer is that, through me, others might glimpse the beauty and power of God’s selfless love, and be inspired to love in turn.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 