Sacrificial Love
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:8
God’s love is sacrificial love. The famous statement of Jesus found in John 3:16 expresses this love best: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God allowed His only Son to suffer and die in order for you to experience an abundant life on Earth and eternal life with God.
When I look at the cross, I am reminded of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus Christ made to demonstrate His love for me. His love was not just words; it was epitomized by a sacrificial deed with eternal consequences. I’m convinced that if you were the only person who needed the redemption of God, Jesus would still have gone to the cross just for you.
What is our proper response to this sacrificial love? We humble ourselves, make Christ our Lord, and give Him our daily praise and thanksgiving for His mighty sacrifice. We never have to love God out of responsibility. Instead, we love him simply out of response for what He has done for us. Next time you notice a cross, pause and offer your sincerest thanks for His ultimate sacrifice of love.
GOING DEEPER:
1. According to Romans 5:8, what was Christ willing to do to demonstrate His love for us?
2. Today, do some research about the physical pain and suffering that Christ went through when He died for you. When you think about His physical pain and suffering, what is your response to Him?
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