From the Pastor’s Desk (276)
Last Sunday, New Life hosted another blood drive. Before we began to host it regularly in our fellowship hall, I had given blood multiple times, especially when there were specific needs from those whom I knew personally. I honestly am not fond of giving blood because I am fearful of a big needle going through my veins. However, I do it because it is a loving thing to do. Love always requires sacrifice doing the things that we don’t want to do.
I would like to share with you a few thoughts I have on giving blood. First, I truly appreciate those who have been working faithfully to make the blood drive happen in our fellowship hall. For a person like me who knows the importance of giving blood but is not so fond of experiencing a needle going through his vein, I would not regularly go out of my way to drive to a blood donating facility to give blood. However, since I can do it in our fellowship hall, it is much easier for me to give blood.
Also, giving blood is a very loving thing to do because, without blood, people die. Therefore, when we donate blood, we are essentially giving a part of our life to our blood recipients in the future. No wonder why God said, “The life of every creature is its blood” (Lev. 17:14). And who knows? We may end up becoming the recipients of other people’s blood in the future for our survival. Let’s always remember the words of Jesus Christ: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Furthermore, giving blood reminds me of what Jesus did for me on the cross 2,000 years ago to wash away my sins. As I lie down on a portable bed, seeing a big needle going into my vein, and as I squeeze a ball with my hand, watching my dark red blood filling up a bag, I always get choked because I can’t help but think about the pain that Jesus went through to rescue and deliver me from hell. It was through his pain that I gained eternity with God. So, those 20 to 30 minutes that I lie down in that bed is always a very special and tender moment for me.
Giving blood is not for everyone. Your physical condition must meet the criteria that are spelled out by a phlebotomist. However, I am certain that many of us meet the criteria to be able to give blood a few times a year. Therefore, I highly recommend that you give blood when you get a chance to do so next time.
“9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!” (Rom. 5:9)
“22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Heb. 9:22)
“28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:28)
Your pastor,
Eric
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