Sacrificial love is putting others first and giving our time unconditionally. What else? Well, of course, it’s serving others. But, here’s the thing: I’m not talking about volunteering at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving. While that’s a wonderful enterprise, there are 364 other days of the year and opportunities we encounter every day.
How can we serve?
Serving Others
To start, there is obviously the traditional type of serving or volunteering which I alluded to above. However, I would challenge that sacrificial love via this avenue isn’t volunteering only once a year. Instead, it’s giving sacrificially of your time on a weekly or regular basis.
I know what you’re thinking… “I don’t have time for that.” I’m aware because that’s my thought, too. But, sacrificial giving isn’t supposed be comfortable. We’re supposed to have to shuffle things around and give of ourselves. This can be in a local organization (Baltimore has a lot of need!) or in another country.
So, sacrificially loving includes those in need in the world. But who else?
Friends First
Are there people in our immediate circles who are potential targets for sacrificial love? Opportunities may involve helping someone move or providing meals when a significant family issue arises. Additionally, how about helping people with other things? As a single woman, I need assistance with my house projects. I’m not strong enough or skilled enough to accomplish some of the things on my list.
When is the last time you cooked dinner for someone? Or took someone out for dinner (and not just on their birthday)? I have a wonderful friend who cooks “friends dinner” weekly. One day a week, she serves supper for her roommates and whoever wants to stop by. “Come, let me feed you.” What a demonstration of love!
Further ideas? What about mowing someone’s lawn? Or baking muffins? Sacrificial love is asking God to reveal moments for serving others and then taking the necessary steps.
Serving Your Enemy
I know, I know, I hate this one, too. The Bible says that anyone can love someone who loves them back. The challenge is to love the unlovable.
But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them (Luke 6:27-32 NIV).
Ouch. It shows real heart to love someone who won’t love you back.
Maybe this person is a family member in your life or an estranged friend. On the other hand, it could be an ex who torments your life via your children. Or the “enemy” could be a coworker who acted in an underhanded way and then blamed you.
Again, I never said it would be easy. But, we’re called to be the light.
If you’re not a believer, then I doubly understand the reluctance. But, praying for someone who hurt you provides a “soul-cleaning.” While difficult, giving love lifts your heart to let that issue slide or to smile and give them the benefit of the doubt even though they’ve failed you before.
Final Thoughts
Sacrificial love is a miracle, a miracle which God performs in our hearts. I know because I’m one of the most selfish people alive. Don’t believe me? Go ahead, screw with my time…see what happens. I turn green and roar like the Incredible Hulk. That happens because it’s difficult for me to give, especially sacrificially.
But, I’m trying to learn one moment at a time, one circumstance at a time that giving is better than receiving. It seems counter-intuitive, but it really is true. Try it and see.
Love, K.
We are called to be the light sums this up beautifully.
Thank you!
Great lessons here Ms. Kelly. Well said ma’am.
Well said. You have a magical way with words that make the difficult easy to understand. Your way with words allows many to see “The Light.” Bravo!
Well, thank you so much! That’s a wonderful compliment. I feel God calls me to say the tough stuff. 🙂
I’m trying to learn one moment, one circumstance at a time, too, Kelly – about a lot of things! Good thing God’s grace and mercies are new every day!!
Thanks for your encouragement, Kelly, on such a difficult issue. We all want to be loving and giving–until the time comes to do it! You’re being honest when you confess to protecting your time. I think we all have those buttons which push us over the edge. Your message is inspiring and I pray that we all can take it to heart and put it in practice.