God loves you with a sacrifical love.In John 15:12-14, we read Jesus saying this: This is my commandment, love each other as I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. We know that Jesus' sacrifice of his life on the cross came directly as a result of the love that God has for each one of us: for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son. (John 3:16) and God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8)
Jesus gave of himself throughout his life before making the ultimate sacrifice, following his Father's plan and laying down his life - giving up himself that we might be part of God's family.
Lent is traditionally a time when followers of Jesus give something up - or sacrifice something that they enjoy - as they prepare for Easter and remember Jesus' time in the wilderness. We are choosing to Love 40 days rather than give up a favourite treat or pastime, but loving can be sacrifical too, as the example of Jesus shows us. What might we need to sacrifice to do what Jesus commands and love each other as he loved us?
Is God bringing anything to your mind - a word, a thought, a Bible passage - as you think about the sacrifice that he made for you today? If it would encourage others, please do share it in the comments below.
Don't forget there is no post tomorrow and no name to be drawn as the period of Lent does not include Sundays!
"God so loved the world that he gave his only son"
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