Listen

Those who love their lives will lose them, and those who hate their lives in this world will keep them forever. Whoever serves me must follow me. Wherever I am, there my servant will also be. My Father will honor whoever serves me.

John 12:25-26

Think

Whew! Talking about hating your life seems harsh and not good for your mental health. This is extreme, hyperbolic language used to make a point. Jesus is saying that only if you let go of life as it is now will you get something better. For example, you may really enjoy being a young person, but it doesn’t work for you to stay the same age forever. You have to say goodbye to one stage of life in order to say hello to the next one. This is painful, like dying, in a way.

If you are willing to give up the way things are now, or “hate” your life compared to “love” your life, you will be ready to receive more of what God has in store for you. Jesus surely loved his life on earth. But he was willing to give it up, knowing there was so much better God had for him, and for all of us, through him.

Dawn Weaks

Question to Ponder:

How has God helped you get through times of transition in your life?

Pray

This is a hard one, Jesus.

I’m not sure I understand, but I am willing to be open to what you can teach me.

Amen.

Go

Hear what God is nudging you to hear. Maybe it’s to pause before speaking, or to act boldly when you see someone wronged. Maybe it’s to love outside of your circle. Maybe it’s to love yourself. Take courage, and listen.