Sacrifice can also be defined as giving up something valuable, even at a personal cost, for the sake of something else, often something greater or more meaningful, it involves a willingness to let go of personal desires and comfort for the sake of God’s will and the needs of others.
It can be giving to the Lord whatever He requires of us, in terms of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energy to further his work. Willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God. Sacrifice involves the acts of selflessness, generosity and also prioritizing others’ needs over or above one’s own.
The first sacrifice to give as a Christian is to willingly give our life to Jesus Christ just as God willingly gave Jesus Christ his beloved and only begotten son as a sacrifice to humanity. To accept him as our Lord and saviour. And to offer our body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Romans12:1.
How do we give Sacrifice to God?
We can give sacrifice by offering thanks, praise and worship to God through music, clapping, singing and dancing.The Bible says “Through Jesus, therefore , let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise- the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”Heb 13:15.
Expressing gratitude to God for his faithfulness and for all he has done, what he is doing and for what he is yet to do. 1Thess5 :18.
Through support of the work of God:-
By using your resources, time, your knowledge, gifts and talents to support the church in various ways, programs,evangelism and missionaries in the mission fields.Romans 12:4-8. It could also be by rendering some services in the household of God without demanding for pay or reward.
Through self-denial. It is through self- denial that the disciples and some people followed Jesus Christ. Matt16:24-25. To sacrifice, one has to forsake and forgo some pleasures , forsake the company of some friends ,forgo some habits that are not in line with the word of God, for the sake of the gospel. Mk8:3. It could be leaving a lucrative job or a high paying job to take up a ministerial appointment for the sake of the gospel. Leaving your comfort zone to a less habitable place without basic amenities just for the sake of the gospel is a great sacrifice. For example, the early missionaries who came to Africa, left everything behind and came to evangelize in a new terrain. Some even naturalized and settled in the country they operated. Paul the apostle said” Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”2Tim2:10.
Through giving : Sacrifice can be in form of sharing your resources with others especially among the needy, the poor, the orphans and the widows.James1:27 Jesus made it clear that whatever we do for the needy , we do for him, that is whatever sacrifice we make for them is like unto him. Matt 25: 40.
Sacrifice is not out of place because Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice, for he offered himself as a sacrifice and willingly gave up his life on the cross for the sake of humanity. Also, Abraham our forefather, showed willingness to sacrifice Isaac. Then God said to Abraham,”Take your son, your only son, whom you love - Isaac.” God referred to Isaac as Abraham’s only son, whom he loved and yet he was willing to sacrifice him. Abraham showed willingness to sacrifice Isaac as he headed with him to Mount Moriah where he was to sacrifice him. Gen 22: 6. In other words, nothing should be too much for us to offer as a sacrifice. No wonder David said”I will not sacrifice to the LORD my burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” 2Sam24:24b. He understood what sacrifice means as giving up something valuable or precious. David’s statement reflects his commitment to giving God his best and making sacrifices that truly mattered to him and he also demonstrated it in his worship and praises.2Sam6:14.
Brethren, our sacrifice should be holy, and pleasing to God and it should be done in a way that honours and glorifies God. It should be motivated by love for God and offered with a willing heart and cheerful spirit. Since God takes delight in the sacrifices of the righteous, it is advisable to live a life of purity, righteousness and devotion to God. Ps 51:19. The Scripture emphasizes that “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart - these O God will not despise.” Ps 51:17. This implies a heart humbled and sincerely repentant.
Whether we offer sacrifices to God there are rewards or benefits .
Offering sacrifices to God brings us closer to him and fosters a close relationship with him.
Offering sacrifices to God deepens our relationship with him and brings us closer to his presence.
It brings joy to both parties, you, who is sacrificing and the person or group you are making sacrifices for.
It gives one personal satisfaction.
In conclusion, sacrifice involves love, and devotion to God and demonstration of love, compassion,selflessness for others and prioritizing others ‘ needs above one’s own .
Prayer.
May the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ motivate us to surrender our lives to him and also motivate us to make sacrifices that bring glory and honour to God and blessings to those around us .
In Jesus’ name .
Amen.
