Colorado massacre: 'Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends'

It's a Bible verse we learned in Sunday school as children ... "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13, King James version).

In the violence that came out of last week's massacre in a movie theater in suburban Denver when a disturbed individual opened fire on a packed theater of movie goers watching the latest "Batman" movie, we saw that verse acted out.

We never know until put to the test how we will react in the reality of life's journey especially when violence is part of it. Three young men are dead but the young women they protected are alive to spread the story of their bravery.

Wes Pruden, editor emeritus of the Washington Times, wants to be sure those acts of sacrifice will not be forgotten in the cynical world where we live:

Three young women, who survived the movie-palace massacre in Colorado because three men gave their lives to save them, beg to differ.

The names of the three – Jon Blunk, Matt McQuinn and Alex Teves – are inscribed permanently in their hearts, vivid reminders of the words of Christ as recorded in the 15th chapter of the Gospel of John: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” This is the passage where Christ teaches that authentic love is not mere emotion, treacly sentiment celebrated in the syrupy lyrics of Tin Pan Alley, but the act of sacrificial giving. “This is my commandment,” Christ told his disciples, “that ye love one another as I have loved you.”

Three sacrificial acts in a darkened charnel reveal the spark of humanity that can survive in the human heart.

A sad but encouraging reminder that there is still good in the world....