A little boy’s fight with leukemia has reminded me of late of the importance of donating blood, and I have recently returned to the habit. I donated most recently on Wednesday. As I left the center, I was thankful that so many people give blood and realized that one day I could be on the receiving end of their service. For giving an hour or so of my time and a pint of my blood, I walked out of the center with five rather significant coupons and three gift certificates. I was also informed about numerous health benefits for the donor - including anything from reduced coronary disease risk for men to losing half a pound. I wish blood banks were not so compelled to make it worth our while to give. Even to mention that it could help my diet by decreasing my weight by half a pound (which you gain back of course…)!

How thankful I am that Jesus Christ donated his blood for us. And not a mere pint, but all of it – his very life given for our own. While my pint of blood can be used to preserve the life of another, my donation cost me very little and I actually received much in return for it. Our Savior’s donation on the other hand cost him so much and gives us life eternal. Jesus calls us to follow his example and to give our lives for our brothers and sisters.  So often when I give to others, I do so expecting something in return. Or I give them my “pint” and think I’ve done my part. I often only give to the extent to which I can remain comfortable while doing so. Yet that’s not what our Savior has in mind. We are to lay down our entire lives for the sake of Christ and the good of others. As John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

So, those who are eligible to donate, I encourage you to consider doing so. It really does save lives. And my friends, please keep me accountable to remain in the habit of doing so often. Yet, let us by no means stop there. Let us give more than a figurative pint of ourselves when others need it. Let us give all of ourselves, even when it hurts. For we have a Savior who left the glories of heaven and became a servant, sacrificing his very life that we might live.