Make Sacrifices When Necessary

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.-1 John 3:16
 
From the first episode, Jack is a man who is willing whatever is necessary to protect his family. From remaining optimistic when his wife goes into labor to putting his dreams on the back burner, Jack’s life revolves around making sacrifices. Jack served in Vietnam, and fixes neighbor’s cars for pennies. He dreams about owning his own construction company. But after he meets Rebecca and the demands of having a family takes its toll, he sacrifices his dreams to buy a house for his family.
 
Often life demands we make sacrifices, too. In fact, Jesus was someone who made the ultimate sacrifice for us so we could have life. Making sacrifices for those we love emulates Christ more powerfully because it is a part of His nature.
 
As a mom, I understand what it’s like to make sacrifices. I often have to put down what I am doing because my husband or kids need me. It’s deflating and often frustrating when I have to put myself aside for the sake of others. But the life of a Christian means a life of sacrifice. Jack appears to take his sacrifices in stride.
 
Rebecca, on the other hand, has also made sacrifices. But her resentment boils over when she finally takes time for herself and pursues the singing career she put on hold once she became pregnant. During their big fight at the season finale, Rebecca confesses that simply being a mom and a wife were not enough for her. Jack reciprocates his frustration by getting her to admit she feels this way.
 
Sacrifices should come with no strings attached. Sacrifices should be made out of love and an attentiveness to others’ needs rather than your own. An action done out of guilt or necessity is not a sacrifice.
 
Analyze the sacrifices you have made in your life. Were they done out of guilt or need? Or were they done out of love and selflessness?