3:16Намуна

The Gift of Sacrifice

We are reminded in 1 John 3:16 that "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters." John's words reflect the heart of the Gospel—that love is not merely a feeling but an action, often a costly and selfless one. Jesus demonstrated this love by laying down His life for us. This act of self-sacrifice was foretold centuries earlier by the prophet Isaiah, who wrote, "But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole; he was whipped so we could be healed." The cross was not a tragic accident but the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

Jesus explained this principle of sacrificial love to His disciples during His earthly ministry. In John 15:13, He said, "There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." Jesus didn't just teach this; He lived it. In humbling Himself, He gave up divine privileges and became human, obedient even to death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8).

For modern believers, Jesus' sacrifice calls – indeed, demands – us to live differently. While most of us won't be faced with the need to literally give our lives for others, as Jesus did, we are called to lay down our comfort, pride, and self-interest for the sake of loving those around us. Sacrificial love might mean forgiving when it's hard, serving when it's inconvenient, or standing in the gap for someone in need.

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me what real love looks like through Your sacrifice. Help me to reflect Your love by living selflessly and putting others before myself. Teach me to love as You loved, even when it costs me. Amen.