When Love Looks Like Sacrifice

Love… Something that baffles us all.

What does it mean, why does it exist, why it lingers, and dissolves. The impact it has on our mind, body, and soul. The way it inspires moments of both joy and pain. What we call “love” is more of an exchange when you think about it—one based on perceived value, how we make others feel, and the potential to like or maybe even love them if they meet certain criteria (insert a shopping list here). And to keep us engaged, to earn the right to continue receiving our

love, they must do A, B, C, preferably in X, Y, Z way, because that’s not only what we need; it’s what we demand and deserve.

Click here to listen to When Love Looks Like Sacrifice

From the moment we enter this world, we crave love… it actually enhances the development of our brain and our body. And as a child, I remember feeling a deep longing for love, which, for me,

meant feeling accepted. Having a sense that I was wanted and valued. Worthy of receiving the gift of time and attention consistently. Receiving loving words and encouragement, being the recipient of loving actions, regardless of flaws, performance, or mistakes.

And as I look back, I can see now that not receiving that shaped my identity in more ways than I can articulate. As I grew up, the experience of feeling void of love impacted me in such a way that it became the primary driving force behind my choices— from what I said to what I wore. From how much money or time I spent to whom and what I said “yes” to.

Maybe you’ve had similar observations… tracing the impact your experience with love has had on the unfolding of your life. And maybe, just maybe, those experiences informed the criteria you established as an adult to define what love was, the way you receive it, and how and when you give yourself permission to express it.

One thing is for sure—whether through observation or firsthand lesson—on a human level, based on how we interact with each other as we balance our needs and expectations along life’s demands, love can feel like a huge risk. So we are calculating and careful about love. We make judgments, test safety, determine worthiness, and analyze just how much of it we are willing

to receive and give because we know the damage and havoc it can cause. And as Christians, as the year draws near to a close, we celebrate Christmas and commemorate the birth of Christ. Each year, we unpack the story of His arrival. And in this routine act of honoring the King, we often forget that these were regular people, doing regular things. People battling adversity, danger, and chaos. Amidst confusion and limited resources, Jesus was born as a pure demonstration of love, power, and freedom for us all. And His very existence—the reality of carrying the gift of love—required immense sacrifice in surrender to the call of God.

Just carrying the child placed Mary in grave danger and God knew that—also knowing that He had a plan and would watch over her. Without knowing how things would work out, Mary had to

sacrifice her future, obey, and serve God’s purpose without understanding what that would entail.

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38 NIV)

The decision Joseph made to commit to Mary placed his own life at risk, requiring him to leave all he knew and chart into the unknown, placing all of his trust in God to provide for his family.

Anyone and everyone connected to Jesus’ life made grave sacrifices—a continuous process of letting go, surrendering will, and leaving behind old ways. Giving up time and agenda. Persevering without knowing the solution, through attacks, rejection, and betrayal—all for the sake of God’s love.

So why do we have the impression that responding to what God asks us to do will be easy? Why do we expect to have all the answers? And why do we think others, too, will just “get it” because we “say it”? As if becoming more like God, living in His will, and being used by Him in order to spread the message of His love will not come with the discomfort of challenge, fear of the unknown, and the management of, at times, immense suffering?

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and

follow me.” (Luke 9:23 NIV)

Love—even God’s love—requires sacrifice and surrender. But if we are going to suffer, let it be in response to fulfilling God’s purpose and not due to regret. Let it be in service to legacy and generations of people being transformed and set free by what God was able to accomplish through us, and not as a result of the pain associated with living beneath our full potential and the consequence of inaction.

The reality is that it takes courage to acknowledge that God has chosen you. To accept the gift of God’s love and commit your life to birthing it into this world in His time and in His way. And that may mean metaphorically in a manger with nothing. That may very well mean being surrounded by divinely ordained strangers sent by God to help you, encourage you, pray for you, and bless you.

That may mean seeking God’s face and listening to His voice as He shows you how to escape from people who want to attack you and situations that seem like they could sabotage not only you but your family.

It may mean leaving what you know and love behind in order to carry God’s love and purpose forward without fully knowing or understanding how it will turn out.

When God chooses you, your life is no longer all about you— your comfort, your will, your wants, and your way. But know— That above all else,

He will give you a star.

He will give you a hideout spot.

He will feed you and clothe you.

He will ensure that you are not alone.

And He will make a way.

“And my God will meet all your needs

according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NIV)

Why? Because His love is NOT like human love. It is not based on perceived value or feelings.

There are no criteria. You don’t have to do anything to earn it. And God’s love will NEVER go away.

It is a consistent, strong foundation that can transform you, your life, and anyone who comes into contact with you.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV)

God’s love is something you can root yourself in, in such a way that His miraculous power will flow through you, giving you the ability to produce fruit in the midst of a drought. God will do things through you, just like He did through Mary and Joseph, that you never thought were possible.

I believe that you are here on this earth, gifted with God’s love to birth it and share it freely with others—those you may or may not know, those you may think don’t deserve it—no matter the cost, the pain, or the sacrifice.

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear

fruit—fruit that will last…” (John 15:16 NIV)

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1 NIV)

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves

has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7 NIV)

That is the call and mission—will you accept?

30 DAY RELENTLESS LOVE CHALLENGE

Practice a rhythm of receiving and giving God’s love daily. For 30 days, read daily affirmations aloud and participate in weekly Relentless Love Challenges.

Download my streak tracker to help!

What if for 30 days, we practiced building a rhythm of acknowledging, receiving, and expressing God's love? To support us along the way, I have created a Relentless Love Tracker with a section to capture thoughts and reflections.

We will begin each morning by speaking 10 affirmations aloud and, through the 30-day period, practice 6 ways to receive and share God's love.

So, are you ready? Let's let our "love" shine and watch the ripple effect that takes place as God works through us!

10 DAILY RELENTLESS LOVE AFFIRMATIONS:

1. I am already wanted and valued by the Creator of all.

2. I am accepted and worthy regardless of what any human does or says.

3. I have been chosen by God to be His representation of light, love, power, and freedom.

4. I am dedicated to becoming more like Him every day—being a good steward of mind,

body, time, and resources, offering myself and my life as a living vessel—allowing the Lord to shine through me to draw others closer to Him.

5. Regardless of my feelings, fears, or worries, and the reality of the challenges and threats I face, I know that God will never leave me or abandon me.

6. I accept God's love, knowing love dispels fear. God has given me a spirit of power, love, and a

sound, disciplined mind—so I seek Him. Listen for His voice. Trust and obey.

7. I choose to receive God’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace—and will freely extend that same love,

kindness, peace, and joy to others. I commit to remain rooted in love as I serve, share, speak truth, and live by His example.

8. I will treat myself, my loved ones, and even my enemies with patience, kindness, mercy, grace,

and love.

9.I surrender my ego and agenda, choosing instead to walk in alignment with God’s Word and will.

10. I acknowledge and respect that we are each on our own journey, created and loved by the

same Heavenly Father, so I forgive anyone that has ever hurt or disappointed me; their actions will not hinder me from becoming all God has called me to be.

5 RELENTLESS LOVE PRACTICES:

DAYS 1–6: Speak words of love (genuine encouragement, authentic affirmation).

DAYS 7–12: Share God's love through action to those closest to you (at home, at work, and with friends). Practice remaining rooted in love before you act or respond. How would Jesus behave? Consider how others prefer to receive love.

DAYS 13–18: Reflect on God’s love in Scripture (seek, read, reflect, and meditate daily on scriptures that explore God's love).

DAYS 19–24: Demonstrate love in hard places (forgiveness, patience, empathy, listening, difficult conversations of truth or conflict resolution, boundaries).

DAYS 25–30: Celebrate God’s relentless love (worship, gratitude, share your testimony).

Myra Johnson

Author: Myra Johnson is a Houston-based executive consultant, producer, and arts advocate with over 17 years of experience helping organizations grow, innovate, and connect deeply with the communities they serve. As CEO of Ephesus Investments, Myra leads 6-month and annual executive-level engagements, serving as a strategic advisor, interim leader, or embedded partner to guide organizations through growth, transition, and transformation. Her firm also provides coaching for CEOs and senior leaders in operations, strategy, storytelling, creative

campaigns, and community engagement.