Guest Post: Loving Sacrificially

“This is how God showed His love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10

Internally carrying another human being for nine months physically affects a woman’s body. The scars on our bellies serve as a reminder of the personal physical sacrifice we offered. This offering continues once we bring our babies home (however they were delivered or by whoever carried them). We forfeit many of our needs and desires to care for our kids. In the beginning, we give up our sleep. Waking up at all hours of the night at the sound of their cries to rock, feed, and change their diapers.

As they grow older, we abdicate our preferences. We forgo our hobbies and pastimes to build with blocks and play dress up. As mothers, we watch cartoons and Disney movies instead of binge-watching Netflix. We cheerfully eat happy meals and let our kids play at playgrounds rather than having adult conversations at a coffee shop or cafe.

Parenting means parting with finances and resources. Moving from a family of two to a family of more stretches our pocketbooks. Our grocery bills increase, restaurant tabs rise, clothing budgets expand, and our home sizes grow to make space for the newest additions. With children, our insurance rates surge, and our financial planning must now account for multiple drivers and college tuition.

Moreover, motherhood requires us to relinquish our time. To parent our offspring well, we expend countless hours in conversations to discipline, guide, and teach them. We spend long stretches in the car like a taxi driver transporting our kids from one activity to another. Not to mention the amount of time we exhaust thinking, worrying, and praying for them.

Looking back upon how much we as mothers have given up amazes me. But even more impactful, is to consider how much more we have gained. When I reflect on the privilege and responsibility of being a parent, nothing overwhelms my heart more. I would forfeit my body, sleep, preferences, finances, resources, and time all over again to experience the love I’ve come to know as a result of becoming a mother. There is no question – the sacrifice has been worth it. 

The Bible tells the story of Abraham and Sarah, who longed to have a child. Abraham was one hundred years old, and Sarah was 90 when their son Isaac was born. After finally giving these parents the desire of their hearts, God tells Abraham to “Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about (Genesis 22:2).”

Scripture records that Abraham got up early the next morning, saddled his donkey, cut enough wood for the burnt offering, and set out for the place God told him about. He trusted God would provide a lamb for the burnt offering. When they reached where God directed him, Abraham built an altar and laid Issac on the wood.

Though ready to complete the deed, an angel of the Lord stopped Abraham. When he looked up, he saw a ram in the thicket. Mercifully, he sacrificed the animal instead of his son. The Lord had provided (Genesis 22:1-19). As a result of Abraham’s obedience, he received abundant blessings. God promised Abraham children and grandchildren who would, in turn, bless the whole earth and give protection from his enemies (Genesis 12:1-3).

Notice the parallel between the “ram” offered on the cross as a substitute for us. Whereas God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son, God did not spare His own Son, Jesus, from crucifixion. God sent His only Son to die for us so that we could be spared from the eternal death we deserve and instead receive eternal life.

This act is summarized in this verse: “For 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 (John 3:16). God paid greatly with the life of His Son, the highest price He could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, took the penalty for our sins, and then offered us the new life He purchased for us. Our actions must be like Jesus’—willingly sacrificing our comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God’s love.

Extra Verses for Study or Prayer

Matthew 16:24

John 15:13

Verse of the Day

“This is how God showed his love among us: he sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:9-10

Prayer

Father, thank You for your sacrificial love. May I never forget the magnitude of a Father giving up His only Son, and Jesus willingly laying down His life on the cross for me. I want to take up my cross and follow You. Help me to surrender my selfish desires and notice the needs of others. Empower me to sacrificially show them Your love with all I am. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Questions For Deeper Reflection:

1. Who has modeled sacrifice in your life? What did they give up for you?
2. Think about what you have a hard time giving up. How can you lay that down to sacrificially love someone?