Love... Is Sacrificing
Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
John 15:13 (NKJV)
Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)
When I hit “pause” in my own busy thoughts and get my mind back to what’s important…
I’m transported in overwhelming awe… to our King’s overwhelming example of exactly what love IS– and ISN’T.
Overwhelming enough to beat Satan. (Not for Himself. God did that already.)
Overwhelming enough to be tortured. (Not for His sins. His record was spotless.)
Overwhelming enough to die for us. (Not for Himself, because He’s eternal.)
Easy to write, but oh-so-hard to live… is love’s utmost action step: SACRIFICE!
In our hearts, we're compelled to follow Him.
In our minds, we contemplate the losses.
In our strength, we feel too weak for the job.
How can we reach the overwhelming goal of sacrificial love in OUR OWN lives?
We can move closer one step at a time, like:
Giving up something we know is selfish.
Spending time with the lonely (not just friends).
Visiting the sick, conscientiously.
Living in real-time, rather than screen-time.
Pausing our plans to care for someone else.
Cherishing people above possessions.
Making choices we know would please Jesus!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
In your faith walk through entertainment’s fields, you sacrifice everyday “normalcy” too many Christians build their lives around… where (more or less), they know what to expect.
You remain ready for life’s surprises: things that challenge you; things that delight you. Through the power of the Holy Spirit…
God illustrates real-life stories through you– not just the roles, scripts, and songs you perform… but more importantly, by how you live! Your kind and adventurous examples will inspire countless lost sheep to look up!
Love… Is Sacrificing (Part 62)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!