I can't shake this longing. I don't know if I ever will. However there is something about this entire biblical justice that isn't just for 3rd world countries. Biblical justice can be viewed in different lights all the way to providing those who want to help understand on a more personal level what we really do if we actually sacrifice. To learn how we must first understand the meaning of sacrifice.
Sacrifice can be defined in many eras as a religious offering by killing animals or even people. Yikes. It's nice to know that that is all in the past and no longer needing to happen for the purpose to be saved. Instead God Sacrificed His only son, Jesus. And because of that ultimate sacrifice, we who believe, are saved in that truth.
To offer your only loved one is something huge. So instead The Lord asks of us different sacrifices. These look very different from one person to the next.
Sacrifice: Defined via Merriam Webster and Dictionary
1. The act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else to help someone.
2. Destruction or surrender for the sake of someone else.
3. The surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having higher or more pressing claim.
Sacrifice isn't compromise... Or is it? How much of a compromise is it if our selfish tendencies out weigh the sacrifice part? When is it too much sacrifice? Or too little sacrifice?
Oppression:
1. The exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.
2.The feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc...
Oppression isn't candy coated, neither is poverty or wealth. all sides of the spectrum are extremely dark but God sees these things as opportunity to make Himself known and glorified. Many choose to ignore and/or abuse various parts of these realms. How can we sacrifice "Too much" if our true intention, firstly, is with God in mind and under the acknowledgement of Gods prompts in our lives? When are things such as sleeping on the floor, not getting a shower after riding 100 miles on a bicycle or needing to prepare donated food while so sore and exhausted, too much?
God calls for us to be uncomfortable. It is a very common useful way in which He grows us, teaches us and moves us in the direction He calls us to go in. These sacrifices in response to obeying Gods words and guidance reminds us that these rather simple (yet extremely hard) sacrifices are seen differently in many eyes. The path that we follow is extremely narrow and looks completely different to all who dare to seek. We gain momentum, Satan tries to destroy and discourage all chances of succession. My sacrifice definitions are completely different than someone else.
And yet we can relate in many ways to the teachings that God brings through these trials and sacrifices!
As our comfort zones fluctuate and out hearts and minds are stripped raw of the complexity and simplicity of the "Sacrifices" we make are a very big deal. In the heat of these painful moments, what are we sacrificing for? Who are we ultimately doing it for? For ourselves? For worldly bragging rights? For those who live our sacrifices of floor sleeping, no showers, exhaustion, bruised bodies and broken spirits on an hourly basis?
In these discoveries through self inflicted sacrifice we truly are not just benefiting the world by providing biblical justice but we bring justice to ourselves through the strengthening we allow God to instill in us as He strips us raw in these various elements of sacrifice. I should not be a caterer to what comforts you. But to seek manifestation in what sharing struggle experiences can bee seen as the same thing in relation and lifting one another up with in those struggle moments. Grace, humility, obedience- We must start somewhere.
My needs are much different than yours. But what you and I struggle with and how we struggle with it is also a very important part of the equation of the desperate needs of others who can't even imagine a life even slightly like many have been blessed with.
Please take a moment and freshen up with what is underneath this link. 1 Corinthians 13
These things can't be candy coated... And why should they? Love is raw and can seem hurtful. It's uncomfortable but through the discomfort you find true worship and compassion. You find that the sacrifice taught you so much more than you could ever have imagined. Sacrifice is not an easy thing...
An example in many different ways: Look to Jesus
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