Sacrifice is a reoccurring theme in the Christian faith. We're called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, to sacrifice certain comforts and it's all in response to God's grace and love for us which is illustrated by Jesus' ultimate sacrifice as payment for our sins. During Lent, we make small or significant sacrifices, both physical and spiritual, to remind ourselves of Jesus' sacrifice and to develop our understanding of the enormity of what he did for us. But for Christians, making sacrifices aren't limited to the season of Lent; it's something that we're called to do continuously. A genuine sacrifice can take many forms but it has to be something which has value to us. By sacrificing the things that we think we can't do without, we're rewarded by God with the very things that we cannot live without in this life and in eternity.
Here are 11 Bible verses which reveal the nature of sacrifice.
2 Samuel 24:24 - But the king replied to Araunah, 'No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.'
Psalm 107:22 - Let them sacrifice thank-offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Proverbs 21:3 - To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Jonah 2:9 - But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, 'Salvation comes from the Lord.'
1 John 4:10 - This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 3:25 - God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood - to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished.
Romans 11:35-36 - 'Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?' For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory for ever! Amen.
Romans 12 - 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.
Ephesians 5:2 - And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Hebrews 10:14 - For by one sacrifice he has made perfect for ever those who are being made holy.
Hebrews 13:16 - And do not forget to do goof and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
