CALLED TO SACRIFICE

How do we sacrifice for one another? The hope is that when we surrender on behalf of others, we do so from the goodness of our heart while adhering to our guiding principles. This type of sacrifice enables us to continue loving the other without becoming bitter. We are not called to sacrifice boundaries.

Some years ago, I found myself supported by Chris, a wonderful pastor who had my best interests at heart. He was called, I think, to sacrifice on my behalf, as he made it part of his mission to ensure that I did not encounter the abuse I endured in a previous ordination process. Chris ceded his time and emotional energy on my behalf, representing the truly beautiful side of the ordained ministry. Thanks to Chris and two wonderful groups of people who comprised my licensing committee and later ordination council, I was restored.

Could you be called to sacrifice some time and energy to the service of another? If you are a parent, you are constantly sacrificing your time and energy for the necessary purpose of raising your children. Are you possibly being called to sacrifice temporarily for someone other than them, perhaps to give you a much-needed respite from your regular duties?

Sometimes, our loved ones ​desire to communicate thier affection and their confidence in us. Should you elect to answer another call to sacrifice, remember that you are loved and respected, particularly by the persons who cannot seem to find the gumption to tell you so. 

​It is, after all, a sacrifice.