The Sacrifice of Love - Devotional

Scripture:

"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 4:10

The cross is not just a symbol of suffering; it is the greatest expression of love the world has ever known. A love so pure, so undeserved, and so sacrificial that it rewrote the story of humanity. This love didn’t wait for us to get it right. It met us at our worst, and even then, it chose to redeem us.

God didn’t love us because we were lovable. He loved us because He is love. And out of that love, He sent Jesus, His perfect, sinless Son, to bear the weight of our sin and shame. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8). That is the heartbeat of the gospel.

Yet, this love is not just something we receive; it’s a call to live differently. We were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20), and that truth demands a response. Jesus invites us to follow Him, not half-heartedly, but with a cross on our backs and a surrendered heart. “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23).

Maybe today you’ve grown distant, distracted, or disheartened. But His love hasn’t changed. His arms are still open. This is your moment to return, to recommit, and to live with purpose. Lay down what hinders. Let His sacrifice reignite your devotion.

Prayer:

Lord, I ask for mercy where I have forgotten the depth of Your love. Help me daily to remember the price You paid for my redemption. Help me to live fully and faithfully for You, with a heart that reflects the beauty of Your sacrifice and love, that I may be an extension of Your love on earth. Amen.

Reflection:

1. What area of your life needs to realign with God’s love today?

2. What can you do differently to live fully for the One who gave everything for you?

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