Give Up?

Sunday, December 30, 2001

Ephesians 5:1,2 – Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. (NASB)

"I am going to lose a few pounds next year." "I am going to be more organized next year." "I am going to give a bigger donation to my church." "I am going to give up smoking next year." These are some of the familiar phrases that we seem to hear at this time every year.

Out of our abundance, we gladly give, but we may find that our eagerness to give up something dissipates into thin air a couple of weeks later. To give sacrificially is divine.

Jesus gave up His life for all of us so that we may have eternal life in Him. Jesus was a living sacrifice for us. God came to mankind and reached out to us because He loves His creation with a love that we cannot comprehend. We have only to believe and to accept this free gift.

As we enter the new year, let us gladly give up our old selves, our old behaviours, and our selfish thoughts, and accept the love that Jesus offers so freely.

Let us give ourselves to Christ. It could be a matter of life or death!

Prayer: Today, we give ourselves to You, Jesus. We offer our old selves. Create in us clean and pure hearts. May we serve You and follow You all the days of our lives. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada

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