“Christ served us willingly: Jesus said His life was not taken from Him, but He laid it down on His own accord (John 10:18). Jesus willingly died to serve us. We may not be asked to die for our faith, but Jesus does expect us to die daily to our self-interests for the sake of others (Luke 9:23).

Christ served us sacrificially: Jesus did not merely love us with words, but with His life. Serving us cost Jesus everything. When we follow the example of Christ we present our “bodies as a living sacrifice” out of love for Christ (Romans 12:1). 

We may be asked to give up our dreams, our expectations, our reputations, our money, our resources, or our time—whatever God asks of us in order to enrich others. Serving each other is the central aspect of what is a “good and acceptable and perfect” gift to God (Romans 12:2).

Christ served us consistently: Jesus was consistent in His love for us. He never wavered from His purpose to pursue us and die for us. We are to consistently pour ourselves out for each other in acts of love, doing for others what they cannot do for themselves. We’re to do this “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,” just as Jesus loved us (Ephesians 4:2).

When we live like Paul and follow the example of Christ we make a difference. God’s plan is for us to partner with Him and partner with each other in order to fulfill His purposes. It’s only when we start to live for God’s greater purposes in life that we can start to really live.”

Excerpt From

40 Days 2019 • Live Alive

the Journey