The Sake of Saving Lives

The Book of Genesis tells the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. In the time that followed, Joseph saw his purpose in life and forgave his brothers who were among the many that Joseph saved from famine. “It was really for the sake of saving lives that God sent me here ahead of you” [Genesis 45:5].

For the sake of saving lives—what is our role? God knows how this purpose will work in each of us. “I know well the plans I have in mind for you, … plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope” [Jeremiah 29:11]. Are we willing to participate in God’s plan of salvation?

We do not always understand why events happen as they do. So much in life easily can pull us away from God and our purpose if we are not steadfast in our faith. Like Joseph, by staying united with our Lord, we can see His grace in our daily circumstances and challenges.

Our Embrace

When we embrace the love of God, we embrace the greatness of salvation for ourselves and for one another. This purpose sustains us through times of doubt and inspires hope in our world. Fully embracing God’s love allows His love to transform us.

This transformation shapes our understanding of salvation, relationships, and engagement with those around us. Sharing God’s love serves as a powerful witness to the world. “As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” said the Lord [John 13:34–35]. 

For this plan, God’s grace protects our hearts from hardening. Only with an open heart can we journey toward redemption and salvation while inspiring others along the way. To live with an awareness of this grace is to recognize that we are both recipients and bearers of divine love for the sake of saving lives.

Stewards of Grace

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace” [1 Peter 4:10]. Christ showed us the way through loving compassion, service, and forgiveness during His earthly lifetime. Ultimately, by His cross and Resurrection, He freed us from sin for our salvation.

When we gaze upon the cross, what do we see? Do we see our Lord’s loving graces, or do we see our own fear of the cross? May God help us to look past our fears to see the strength, protection, virtue, mercy, and holiness that our Savior provides. “He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” [2 Corinthians 5:15].

So how can we contribute to God’s saving purpose? “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you” [Ephesians 4:32]. With open hearts, let us offer ourselves for the sake of saving lives for the love of God. Trust that even the smallest gesture can bear lasting fruit.

“Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins” [1 Peter 4:8]. Participating in the ongoing story of salvation, compassion overcomes indifference, and hope overpowers despair. Together with Christ, let us draw one another closer to the heart of God. May God’s grace illuminate every corner of our shared humanity. Amen.