***If you are using the companion guide for the Elf on the Shelf, this will be the first verse the Elf brings to your house!***
JOHN 3:16 FOR GOD LOVED THE WORLD IN THIS WAY: HE GAVE HIS ONE AND ONLY SON, SO THAT EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT PERISH BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.
Such a hopeful statement! The word “gave” could be substituted with the word “sacrifice”. He sent Him to show us the way and then shed His blood to cover our sins.
Scientists have discovered that, in meaningful relationship, the instinct is to sacrifice for those we love rather than being selfish. In dealing with a stranger, the instinct is to act on our own desires.
Before we even loved Him – while we were sinners – Jesus died on a cross for us (Romans 5:8). We have nothing that Jesus needs from us. His act wasn’t out of self-centered desires or His own gain. That acts of being born fully human, living 33 years on this earth, and dying on a cross weren’t for His amusement, but simply out of His great love for us.
As we interact with those we are in relationship with, let us offer that kind of sacrifice – even if it just meanswatching Die Hard instead of a Hallmark movie tonight!
