Sacrifice
What does it mean to sacrifice?
Merriam-Webster has this to say: “destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else”.
Jesus surrendered Himself for the sake of all mankind.
This is what the Bible has to say. I think you can connect the dots.
“21 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
“13 No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends.” John 15:13 (AMP)
“34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are My disciples.” John 13:34-35 (NLT)
“1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
“13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” 2 Corinthians 5:13-15 (NIV)
I have chosen to lay down my life for Jesus. It’s not a one-time decision, it is a daily decision to deny my selfishness and be more self-less; more less-of-self to let more of Jesus shine through the cracks of my broken self.
“7 However, we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:7 (AMP)
This is why I live my life the way I do, it’s all for Jesus, to Glorify the Father, my Abba (Father, Papa, Daddy) in Heaven.
“18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)
I know an invitation isn’t necessary, but I invite you to read all of 2 Corinthians for a better look.
Thank you all for your continued support in prayer, finances, and encouragement! It means more than you could know 🙂
Grace and Peace,
-Paul
