Warner, left, and Middaugh, right

Henry “Bill” Warner and John Middaugh bonded together when they served in a war zone during the Vietnam War. They learned to count on each other, and after the war they continued to stay in touch.

Warner and Middaugh, both 73, have an even closer bond now. Middaugh recently gave Warner one of his kidneys. “He had my back many times,” Middaugh said, “so this is payback time.”

This wonderful sacrifice reminds us of what Jesus did for us on the cross. However, instead of sacrificing for a long-time friend, Jesus performed his act of mercy for those who were far from him.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”—Romans 5:8.