Giving Up One's Life For Christ

John 15:12-13 – My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV)

What does giving up one's life for Christ mean, and what does this look like today?

This past year I have come to know something of what this means. Jesus used a wonderful family to be witnesses for Him. It was a stressful time, because their mother was dying of cancer. I saw these loving people sacrifice themselves to the extent of even being separated for weeks at a time so one member could take care of her ill mother. She provided physical and spiritual care, compassion and comfort. This person was God's hands, feet, and eyes to her mother. She and her family were being witnesses for Christ.

We can all learn what God means by giving up our lives, by watching the Christians in our church. They volunteer their time and talents toward programs like Alpha, children's and adult ministries, small groups, and missions. They visit the sick, the shut-in, the prisoner; they feed the hungry; all for the glory of God.

John 14:12-13 – I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. (NIV)

When we remember that Christ too gave up His life for our salvation, it becomes so much easier to find ways to give up our own.

Prayer: Father, show us today how to live by giving up. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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