The Power of Self-Sacrificial Love: Answering God's Call to Mission

In a world often driven by self-interest, the concept of self-sacrificial love stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith. This love, exemplified by Jesus Christ and carried forward by countless believers throughout history, has the potential to change lives and shape the course of human history.

At the heart of this transformative love is the work of the Holy Spirit. It's not merely about human effort or willpower, but about allowing God to work through us in supernatural ways. When we open ourselves fully to the Holy Spirit's influence, we become vessels for a love that transcends our natural capabilities.

Consider the profound words found in Philippians 2:5-8:

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

This passage beautifully illustrates the ultimate example of self-sacrificial love - Jesus Christ leaving the glories of heaven to become human, suffer, and die for our sake. It's a love that defies human logic, a love that puts others' needs above personal comfort or gain.

Throughout history, we've seen remarkable examples of individuals who have embraced this Christ-like love. Take Adoniram Judson, for instance. In 1812, he left a comfortable life in New England to serve as one of America's first foreign missionaries in Burma. Despite facing imprisonment, disease, and the loss of two wives and several children, Judson persevered. He translated the Bible into Burmese and led hundreds to Christ. What could motivate someone to endure such hardships? Nothing less than the transformative love of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

More recently, we have the heart-wrenching story of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, young missionaries who lost their lives serving in Haiti in 2024. Despite the dangers, they felt called by God to minister to people in dire need. Their sacrifice reminds us that the call to love sacrificially is not just a relic of the past, but a present reality for many believers around the world.

These stories might seem extreme, even unattainable for most of us. But the truth is, God calls each of us to love sacrificially in our own contexts. It might not mean moving to a foreign country or risking our lives, but it does mean being willing to put others' needs before our own, to see people as God sees them.

Often, what holds us back from this kind of love is a spirit of apathy or self-centeredness. We might think, "What can I do? I'm insignificant." Or we might be too comfortable in our own lives to want to engage with the suffering of others. But these attitudes are lies that cause spiritual blindness. They prevent us from seeing the incredible ways God can work through us when we're willing.

Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." When we reach out in love to those in need, we're not just helping them - we're serving Christ himself.

So how do we cultivate this kind of self-sacrificial love in our lives? It starts with surrendering fully to the Holy Spirit. We need to give God the "keys to our house," so to speak - allowing Him access to every area of our lives, not just the parts we're comfortable sharing.

It also involves seeing people the way God sees them. This means looking beyond our immediate circles and comfort zones to recognize the value and dignity of all people, especially those who are suffering or marginalized. When we begin to see through God's eyes, our hearts are moved with compassion, and we're motivated to act.

Moreover, we need to combat the lie of apathy with active engagement. Instead of thinking, "There's nothing I can do," we should ask, "God, what do you want to do through me?" When we make ourselves available, God can use us in ways we never imagined.

Consider the lyrics of the song "Look at Your Hands" by Larnell Harris:

"Look at your hands. Are they splintered, scarred, and bruised? Are they pierced and torn like the ones that bore the cross for you? Look at your hands. Is there sod beneath the nails from drawing in the dirt God's plan for all the earth? If you care, the evidence is there. Look at your hands."

These powerful words challenge us to examine our lives. Are we actively using our hands - our resources, our time, our abilities - to show God's love to others? Or are we keeping them clean and comfortable, uninvolved in the messy work of loving others sacrificially?

The call to self-sacrificial love is not an easy one. It often involves discomfort, inconvenience, and sometimes even suffering. But it's through this kind of love that we most clearly reflect the character of Christ and fulfill our purpose as His followers.

As we contemplate this call, let's challenge ourselves to step out of our comfort zones. Let's ask God to open our eyes to the needs around us - in our families, our communities, and our world. Let's surrender ourselves fully to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work through us in powerful ways.

Remember, you don't have to be a renowned missionary or a spiritual giant to make a difference. God can use anyone who's willing. Your act of sacrificial love - whether it's volunteering at a local shelter, reaching out to a difficult neighbor, or supporting missionaries abroad - can have a ripple effect far beyond what you can see.

In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, let's be people who stand out because of our self-sacrificial love. Let's be willing to be uncomfortable, to take risks, and to put others first. As we do, we'll not only impact the lives of those around us, but we'll also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out our God-given purpose.

May we all have the courage to look at our hands and ask: What evidence of God's love can be seen in my life? And may we be willing to let God use our hands - and our whole selves - to draw His plan of love and redemption in the world around us.