Mark 8:34-37, New Living Translation

“…If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your own soul?”

Why do we do and don’t do the things we do? What do we gain from doing or not doing these things? What drives us to do what we do? Really, it should come from a place of love. It should come from a place of love experienced by the Father, where His love and intentions flow. Jesus tells us in Mark 8:34-37 (NLT), “…If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your own soul?”

I believe what so many don’t recognize if that we are fulfilled in God’s love. What makes love? Communication/relationship, trust, and forgiveness. In my own experience, keeping in communication with God, my Father, has drastically changed my life. When I am speaking to Him and expressing my emotions and how I feel, He has shown me which way to go. He has shown me that He hears my cries of anger, hurt, despair, confusion, and joy. In recognizing His response, I know He loves me! This communication has developed my relationship with Him, my love for Him, and my trust in Him. 

In all of these things, I know He is developing me. He is teaching me. By the way He loves me, I should love others. The way He forgives me, I should forgive others and even myself. Everything He is giving me through communication and relationship, forgiveness, and trust is love. What we receive, we should be giving. Jesus instructed us, “Do not judge others and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will ask come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down and shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:37-38, NLT)

Again, our motive should come from the love that flows to us from God. He gives us genuine affection. I believe when we do these things, we are walking in the Spirit. We are slowing Him to heal what’s broken inside of us and mending what has fallen apart in front of us. When we allow Christ into our hearts to do this transformative work within us, it doesn’t just affect us…It affects everyone around us. 

Often times we want to see people changed, people transformed. But what if it starts with me? What if it starts with you? Our enemy will try to build us up in selfishness and pride, but God wants to tear down those barriers so that His light can shine through. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your God deeds shine out for ask to see, so that everyone will praise your Heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16, NLT)

When we have experienced His love, we are able to give His love. Freely we have received, let us freely give. If you have not experienced His love, I challenge you to open your heart to Him! He is the lover of your soul, the One who created you! He wants you to be free, forgiven, and lived! He wants you to experience love that is true and faithful. He wants you to experience a love that brings fulfillment and satisfaction. He wants you to experience a love that brings hope and purpose. All of this is found in Him! Give your heart to Him and see the transformation He will bring to your life! I guarantee it will be worth it!