“I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:8-9).
If we are to be like Christ, what then? He who made all things and for whom all things were made became poor for our sake. He gave Himself to us that we might give ourselves to Him. This then is at the heart of it all. Will you give yourself to Him? Will you give up all things that with Him you might be rich in grace, mercy, compassion, and love? Will you join with Him?
Lord, I struggle in this world because I want what I want. I struggle in this world because I believe I do not have. Yet here You are right before me. You offer me Your love. Let me see that all the other things I am chasing are nothing, for You are everything. In You is light and life. In You is liberty. In You is hope. Help me see the truth of You that I may live my life in You.
Lord Jesus, You who are everything gave it all up that I who am nothing might join You and be all whom You are making me to be. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I may now and always abide humbly in You as You abide in me. Guide me in the goodness of Your grace and mercy that I may walk the path You set before me and learn to love You above all things. Amen.
