Sacrifice with Love

In this third of a mini-blog series, we continue to analyze and apply Paul's explanation of Love in conjunction with healing (emotionally, physically, financially, in all ways). You are encouraged to get Henry Drummond's short writing, The Greatest Thing in the World, paperback or Kindle, from Amazon.

Today's passage from I Corinthians 15: "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I gave my body to be burned, and have not love, it profiteth me nothing."

Drummond notes that you "can take nothing greater" than love with you wherever you go, and you "need take nothing less." Basically, even if you make the ultimate sacrifice of your own life, if you did it without love, there would be no profit, no real benefit, for you or anyone else. Imagine Jesus at crucifixion if he did not maintain his incredible love. He expressed love and compassion through his statement of forgiveness as they nailed him to the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." He was teaching the eternal, universal lesson of Life and of Love, and maintaining his God-given purpose to save. Nothing less that the greatest love could accompany Jesus' supreme sacrifice, and nothing less could have brought resurrection or ascension.

So whatever sacrifice you may have the opportunity to make today, do it with love, not out of obligation or fear. There are many kinds of sacrifices that we can make each day, ones that will benefit ourselves and others -- but only if permeated with love -- tenderness, compassion, forgiveness. You might sacrifice an hour of your time for some good purpose -- to care for someone that needs help or encouragement, or to work an hour for a colleague with a need. You might sacrifice that sarcastic remark, that judgmental attitude,  or a coldness toward someone or something. Warm yourself with tender Love and be moved with compassion. There are many ways and opportunities to "lay down your life for your friends" as Jesus instructed, but all must be done with love to be of any use.

Drummond writes, "You may take every accomplishment; you may be braced for every sacrifice; but if you give your body to be burned, and have not love, it will profit you and the cause of Christ nothing." So take love with you today and you need nothing less.

Drummond, Henry (2011-01-01). The Greatest Thing in the World, Experience the Enduring Power of Love (p. 4). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.