Sacrifice is one of the spiritual disciplines that we are being challenged to practice this month, specifically as it relates to our global health crisis and the annual observations of Passover and Easter. 

Dallas Willard defines sacrifice as “abstinence from the enjoyment of what is necessary for our living – from the security of meeting our own needs” – in order to make a difference in the lives of others, to give to God and bring Him glory. 

What does sacrifice look like for us today in our world turned upside down by the coronavirus? 

How do we choose to sacrifice in order to serve those on the front line of this fight?  To save the most vulnerable?  To see justice prevail for the oppressed and downtrodden?

• Choosing to share our food, trusting God for our daily bread
• Staying home to keep others healthy 
• Making grocery or pharmacy store runs for those most vulnerable
• Giving the financial resources that God has provided to feed, clothe, and heal others
• Praying for repentance, for strength in the coming days, for salvation

The poor widow in Luke 21:2-3 sacrificially gave all she had and trusted God to provide. Will we do the same in this time of need?

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On Good Friday…. Have you ever considered what God experienced as Jesus was tortured – the immense waves of pain and agony he must have experienced as He chose to sacrifice His Son?

Jesus sacrificed His life – the physical torture was unimaginable – but the separation from His Father in death would be incomprehensible in suffering?  Yet He and His Father willing chose the cross in order to save us.

The Trinity’s example of sacrifice models for us the need to deny ourselves in order to rescue, to serve, and to see justice prevail in our world.