The Sacrifice of Love and Standing Firm in God
1 John 4 | 2 Corinthians 1 | Matthew 10 | 1 Peter 5 | John 21
Today, we are called to examine the depth of our love, the strength of our faith, and the reality of what it truly means to stand firm for God. As believers, we are called to love sacrificially, to be tough in the face of opposition, and to share the message of redemption that only Christ can bring. It’s time to ask ourselves: What does it really mean to love? Are we truly willing to sacrifice for God?
How Do You Define Yourself in Terms of Love?
1 John 4 challenges us to consider how we define love. The kind of love we are called to as Christians requires sacrifice. If the “love” you experience requires no sacrifice, then it may not be love at all. True love is selfless, just as Christ’s love for us is selfless. It’s not based on feelings or convenience—it’s rooted in the will to put others before ourselves, just as Christ did for us.
Do you rely on God to help you love others? Or do you try to solve your problems on your own? Loving others, especially when it’s difficult, is not something we can do in our own strength. It’s only through God’s love that we can truly love others.
Are you dwelling in love? God calls us to live in love—not just act loving in moments, but to have love as our constant state. This means forgiving others, serving them, and truly valuing them as Christ values us.
The Only Answer for Redemption is Christ
There is NO good explanation for sin. No matter how we try to justify our actions or others’, sin always stands in opposition to God’s will. The only answer for redemption is Christ. He is the only way to be reconciled to God. There is no other path to salvation. When we face our shortcomings, we must remember that it’s Christ who redeems us, not our works, efforts, or good intentions.
Facing Opposition When Doing What’s Right
In 2 Corinthians 1, we are reminded that doing the right thing doesn’t always come with an easy path. If you are trying to live according to God’s will, issues will arise. Matthew 10 tells us that when we stand for Christ, we will face opposition. If they crucified Jesus, do we think the world will just embrace us because we stand for Him? No, but we must stand firm anyway. If you’re a believer, you need to be tough! Don’t expect the world to be “buddy-buddy” with you if you are standing firm for Christ.
What’s the reason you won’t talk to others about God? Is it fear of rejection, fear of discomfort, or fear of disrupting the status quo? Taking a stand for God might disrupt things—it might make people uncomfortable. But we are called to share the Gospel and stand for truth, regardless of the consequences.
Who Do You Love More: God or People?
Do you love anyone more than you love God? It’s a tough question to answer, but it’s essential to consider. Are we more concerned with the approval of others than we are with God’s approval? Do we want people to love us more than we want God to be pleased with us? If we are not careful, we can easily elevate the opinions of others over God’s call on our lives.
Don’t change your standards in God to please the world. God’s standards are firm, and they are not subject to negotiation based on the world’s expectations. We must remain true to what God has called us to, regardless of the pressure around us.
God Knows What You Are Willing to Give Up for Him
In John 21, we see that God knows exactly what we are willing to give up for Him. When He asked Peter if he loved Him, He was asking Peter to be willing to sacrifice everything for Him. If you love God, you will be willing to love others. Our love for God should not be kept to ourselves—it should extend to others, just as Christ’s love for us extends to all.
The Gospel is Not Just for You
The Gospel is not just for us—it’s for the world. It’s not enough to keep the love of God to ourselves. We are called to share it, to spread the truth of Christ’s redemption. When is the last time you reminded yourself that God loves you? We need to constantly return to that truth, because it’s from that foundation of God’s love that we are able to love others and share His message.
Conclusion: Living a Life of Sacrifice and Love
Are we living sacrificially for God? Are we willing to stand firm in the face of opposition, love those around us, and share the Gospel boldly? The love of God should motivate us to live out our faith every day, in every interaction, and in every decision. Let’s make the choice today to love like Christ, to stand firm in the truth, and to share the redemption that is only found in Him.