“The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Galatians 5:14

Arland Williams, Jr. Was given the Gold Lifesaving Medal posthumously was his actions on January 13, 1982. The citation reads: “For extreme and heroic daring on the afternoon of 13 January 1982, following the crash of an airplane in the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. Mr. Williams was a passenger on an Air Florida 737 that crashed in a blinding snowstorm into the 14th Street Bridge that crosses the Potomac River and connects Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. After hitting the bridge, the plane plunged into the frozen waters of the Potomac River. Mr. Williams was seated in the rear section of the plane which was partially above the water. When a U.S. Park Police helicopter arrived to commence rescue efforts, Mr. Williams, although injured, quickly realized that he was trapped in his seat by a jammed seat belt. As the helicopter lowered a line to the survivors for towing them to shore, Mr. Williams, acknowledging the fact that he was trapped, refused to grab the line and passed it on to the other injured persons. The helicopter crew rescued five other survivors and then returned to Mr. Williams. He could not be found as he had sunk beneath the icy waters. By not grabbing the rescue line and occupying valuable time in what would probably have been a futile attempt to pull himself free, other survivors, who might have perished if they had been in the frigid waters much longer, were saved. Mr. Williams sacrificed his own life so that others may live. Mr. Williams’ unselfish actions and valiant service reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of humanitarian service.'”

We are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Today in prayer, thank Christ that He loves you with an endless love and seek to love others as Christ does.

“He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his neighbor.” – Bede

God’s Word: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:18

By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2003, Devotional E-Mail DEVOTIONS IN GALATIANS pkennedy@devotional.com