Contributor: K. Wyatt 

Romans 12:1 (NIV) states, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” We are to sacrifice ourselves for God’s will just as Jesus sacrificed His life for us. 

Sacrifice means to surrender or give up. Jesus gave His life for the world in exchange for our sins to be forgiven (1 John 2:1-2). We too, will receive a reward for the sacrifices that we make. God is pleased with us when we do good and make sacrifices (Hebrews 13:16). We also receive other benefits from making sacrifices for God and others. 

Take into consideration wearing masks during the COVID pandemic. The Center for Disease Control has issued guidelines for individuals to social distance and wear masks in public.  I know that it is hot outside and some people are getting tired of wearing masks and being extremely cautious, but this sacrifice is something that can help your family and your neighbors.

Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for our lives, which resulted in the benefit of eternal life (Romans 6:23). Making a sacrifice is not easy. It takes you out of your comfort zone. It forces you to think and act in ways that you normally would not. 

You may be going through challenges in sticking to the protocols and making little sacrifices like avoiding large gatherings and wearing a mask. But in the end, your community will benefit from what you have done.

Remember that Jesus was crucified and died on a cross as a sacrifice (Mark 15) and Abraham attempted to kill his only son, Isaac, as a sacrifice for God (Genesis 22).  However, in the end, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day and now sits at the right-hand side of God (Mark 16:19, 1 Corinthians 15:4). Also, an angel stopped Abraham from killing Isaac, and Abraham and his descendants were blessed due to his willingness to sacrifice (Genesis 22:11-19). Therefore, God will also come through for you as you make sacrifices