Daily Devo

Sacrificial Love

By: Wendy Sanders

Saturday, July 19, 2025

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13

Jesus spoke these words in the upper room to His closest friends, the men we refer to as His disciples. It would be the last time Jesus spent quality time with them before His crucifixion. Of all the things Jesus could have discussed, He chose to speak to them about loving each other like He loved them.

Turn on the news, and it seems like there's more tragedy in the world than ever. But in many of those tragedies we see sacrifice. One person sacrificing for another, to the point of sacrificing their own life. This is exactly what Jesus did for us! He sacrificed all and asks for nothing. It’s a selfless, unconditional love that comes from wanting the best for us. This is the type of love Jesus challenged His disciples to have.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The characteristics of love described in these verses are connected to sacrifices. We must lay down our wants, desires, and selfishness to love one another. But it’s impossible if we don't overcome our sinful nature and self-desire. In those moments I ask Jesus for help. I say, "Jesus, I need your patience, I need your kindness or calmness because I'm not able to do this without you." Then I take a deep breath and allow God to work. Afterwards, I tell God it was all Him, and I make sure to give Him all the glory.

Is it hard for you to love others unconditionally? Are you keeping a record of wrongs someone has committed toward you? Are you struggling to forgive anyone? If you are, I encourage you to ask God for help. Ask Him to give you His patience, kindness, and mercy. If someone has hurt you terribly, you may not ever "love" them, but God's Word says we must forgive them.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15

There is no greater love than unconditional, sacrificial, agape love... but that type of love only comes from God!