Valentines day is often a day associated with Love, usually the romantic kind. Young children have parties at school, make valentines and eat cookies. Selfless love is much different, it generally requires time, patience, compassion and sacrifice. I have always loved the following story. It paints a perfect picture of selfless love.
” As screeching car brakes subsided, eleven year old Billy pulled himself to his feet, and screamed his little sister’s name. Billy’s screams brought no one. Billy limped over to a crowd of men gathered around a car just in time to hear someone say, “She’s got a pulse, she might live.” Everthing was kind of a blur to Billy. An ambulance came and took both of them to the hospital. At the hospital Billy answered questions about the whereabouts of his parents. His Dad was deceased and he didn’t know where his mom was.
The doctor told Billy that his sister would need a transfusion of blood in order for her to live. He asked Billy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. Billy grew pale and gripped the chair he was sitting on tightly, then nodded his head as he gulped. The doctor took Billy into the operating room where his sister was. A line was run from her arm to his. With a concerned look on his face, Billy asked, “How long before I die?” “What do you mean, ” asked the doctor. “Well,” said Billy, “when someone gives his blood doesn’t he die?” With tears in their eyes the doctors and nurses realized what a great sacrifice Billy was willing to make for his sister. What a great example of selfless love.
The Savior Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice and example of pure selfless love as he suffered and died for all mankind so that we could have Eternal blessings if we choose to follow him and keep his commandments. We can show our love for Him by serving others with compassion.
‘As I have loved you, love one another.’
by Tanya Christiansen