God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. – 1 John 4:9-10
Sacrifice is defined as “an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.” During this time of Lent, we look to the cross and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Jesus gave up his life for us. He found us to be more important or worthy. Jesus’ death on the cross embodies just how much God loves us. When we focus on this act of love, we realize that God’s love for us is sacrificial, eternal, and unconditional.
As we understand the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, we should also consider what it means for us to exhibit God’s love. The love of Jesus on the cross reminds us that love is sacrificial; it requires giving up something. It takes thoughtfulness and unselfishness on our part to give time, money, priority, and even kindness to others. Our lives can be busy, our calendars full, our frustrations high, and our thoughts self-centered. These kinds of things can keep us from living a sacrificial life. But God asks us to give up something we value for the sake of something else more important or worthy.
When we live our life and make choices to sacrifice for others, we are giving praise and honor to God. Romans 12:1 says this well: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” And then this same verse in the Message version is worded this way, “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around-life – and place it before God as an offering.”
We don’t have to wait for a big idea or life-changing moment to give up by sacrificing our life to God. Just each and every day, share your time, lend a helping hand, exhibit kindness and love to those around you – even when you don’t feel like it. Be intentional in moments to give something up to show someone they are important and loved, even if you’re busy and the stress is high. When you do, you’re worshipping God and bringing God’s love and presence to others.
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministry
