Devotion #4: Sacrificial Love
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
When I think of sacrificial love, the first and most powerful example that comes to mind is the love of Jesus Christ. On Calvary, He gave His life for us, offering the ultimate and free gift of salvation. Jesus, in His perfect love, chose to lay down His life, even for those who hated Him, and in doing so, He revealed the depth of God’s love for us. His sacrifice is not just an event in history; it is the very foundation of our faith and the model for how we are to live.
In light of Christ’s sacrifice, I often find myself asking, “How can I die to self?” Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23), to live not for ourselves but for the glory of God and the good of others. As I reflect on this call, I am reminded of the people in my life who embody this sacrificial love. One such person is my friend, Shawna. While she might not seek recognition and might even feel a bit uncomfortable being mentioned in this devotional, her life is a testament to the love of Christ. A couple of character traits jump out to me.
1. Serving Beyond Comfort – Although working with kids is not Shawna’s preferred ministry, she faithfully steps in each summer for River Kids Camp, serving, worshiping, and teaching children about Jesus. Through Christ, she willingly puts others’ needs above her own. In doing so, Shawna shows a steadfast commitment to loving others, no matter the circumstances. She leans into God’s calling, trusting that He will provide the strength she needs to persevere.
2. Joyful Service – Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). One morning, when chaos hit in the nursery, Shawna saw the need and immediately offered her help. Despite the demands of her own schedule, she chose to step in without hesitation, showing her willingness to serve wherever needed, just as Jesus served others without reservation.
In both situations, Shawna allowed Jesus to use her to demonstrate sacrificial love, not because it was easy, but because she understood the bigger picture: it was about glorifying Jesus and furthering His Kingdom. We may not be called to die physically for others like Jesus, but we are called to die to self daily, offering our lives in service for God’s glory (Galatians 2:20). When we respond to needs, we become His hands and feet, and in doing so, we find joy and fulfillment in the very thing that reflects His love.