The following post was written in commemoration of Memorial Day 2026. It was part of my series on First Peter because of Peter’s reflection on the death of Christ on our behalf.

The Apostle Paul wrote the following words in Romans 5:7-8: “For one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Memorial Day was set aside as a day to remember — to remember those who sacrificed their lives for us and for our freedom. Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” This is what Jesus Himself did for us, isn’t it? While we were still sinners, Christ died for us!

The Apostle Peter wrote: “…knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold, … but with the precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” In this passage, Peter reminds us that Jesus did this for our redemption. We human beings came into this world lost and without God and without hope. We don’t keep God’s commandments, and most of the time, we don’t even try. But even when we were in that condition of rebellion, Jesus redeemed us for Himself. He bought us back and offers us full pardon and reconciliation with Himself. He simply asks us to believe it, and accept the pardon. John wrote, “And we have known and believed the love that God has or us” (1 John 4:16).

As you celebrate Memorial Day and remember those who gave their lives that we might live in freedom, don’t forget The One who died for you and rose again to save you from eternal damnation. Believe His promise and believe the love He has for you. There is no greater love than this!