God is love. 1 John 4:8

On January 23, 1943, the Dorchester left New York to transport 902 soldiers to Greenland. Eleven days later and 150 miles to go, a German U-Boat fired upon the vessel instantly killing 100 men. Darkness loomed over the rapidly sinking Dorchester. Amidst the screams of terror, four voices of calm and comfort guided the soldiers safely to lifeboats. Who were these four men who handed out all of the life vests, only to take off their own for those who had no vest? These four heroes were chaplains, finding strength in their diversity by focusing on the love from God. Four figures were clearly visible as they braced against the railings reciting the Lord’s prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done . . . .” There was a sense of helplessness for them in the midst of their helpfulness.

True love has no strings attached, sometimes ending in sacrifice. Rev. Fox, Rev. Poling, Father Washington, and Rabbi Goode gave up their lives in order to bring about blessing for others. Similarly, God gave up his only Son to die for all of mankind to rescue him for his helplessness (1 John 4:10). His everlasting love is a part of his powerful character (2 Corinthians 13:11), which is why it should be sought out in prayer (13:14) so that God will give us a piece of his love to enable us to love one another (John 17:26). To exhibit His love is to allow Thy will to be done.

“Love is perhaps the only glimpse we are permitted of eternity.” – Helen Hayes