Christian Living

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Sacrificial Love

Recently, I watched a medical television program that was investigating the challenges that couples have to face when they become the proud parents of a premature baby. During their conversations with one mother, she revealed that she had breast cancer, and had decided to postpone her treatment – at some risk to herself - because she didn’t want to endanger her unborn baby. She was willing to sacrifice her own health so that the child she loved could have a life. Such a sacrifice is in stark contrast to the many mothers who have aborted their child, without any health risks to justify it.

The Whitney Houston song, “I will always love you” has sometimes been used at Weddings, which is very strange because it’s a song about someone leaving a relationship because they believed the other person would be better off. They were willing to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of the one they loved. This is also in stark contrast to the person who abuses or even murders their 'lover' because they were rejected.

At a time when greed and selfishness have almost become virtues, it is refreshing to find examples of love that are worthy of the word.

It was this same sacrificial love (Agape in the Greek) that motivated JESUS to come into the world, feed the hungry, heal the sick, forgive His enemies, and give His life as a ransom for many. His toughest words were for those who played religion and often said one thing but did another – especially the religious leaders. His most compassionate words and actions were for the downtrodden and the hurting who desperately needed hope and came to Him for answers. He would always tell them the truth - in love – because His purpose was to bring healing and hope, not condemnation.

Furthermore, JESUS emphasized that LOVE must be the distinguishing characteristic of anyone who wanted to follow Him. He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you. By this shall all people know that you are My disciples if you have love, one for another.”

Much good has been done by the followers of Jesus – over the centuries – because they learned to love like JESUS did. He said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one can come to the father, except through Me.”

Follow JESUS today.

Mark Trodd
[email protected]

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