Great Love Produces Great Sacrifice.

By Greg Sanders

As we prepare for thanksgiving next week, the things I am most thankful for are derived from the sacrifice of others. I am thankful for my parents who sacrificed a lot so that my sister and I could have the best. I am thankful for the teachers, preachers, and church family who sacrificed their time and efforts to point me towards Christ. I am thankful for friends who sacrificed their preferences at times to show me concern. I am thankful for Jesus who sacrificed His life so that I could have this incredible journey now and life eternal to come.

Every account of love in my life is tied to sacrifice. Where there is great love, you will always find people sacrificing for one another. The same is true in reverse. Where there is no sacrifice, the level of love diminishes.

Jesus addressed the connection between love and sacrifice in Luke 7:41. Jesus said, “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?”43 Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one whom he forgave more.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

Jesus said that sacrifice and gratitude are evidences of love. Your current level of sacrifice is an indicator of your current level of love for those with whom you are in a relationship. This is true for your relationship with people, your relationship with the church, and ultimately your relationship with God. Many people today search for a way to live with the least amount of sacrifice possible. This attitude robs you of experiencing love in its highest and purest form.

Today’s Challenge: Has your level of sacrifice diminished in a relationship? Have you tried to do the least that is required when it comes to your love for people or love for God? This attitude never produces the passion and reward of sacrifice. Great Love Produces Great Sacrifice. Ask yourself this question: “What can I can do today to express my gratitude to those I love?” Then sacrifice the time, effort, pride, or money to do it. 

Blessings,

Greg