John 15:13
Love As A Sacrifice
September 28, 2026
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13
I vividly remember my first date with the man who would become my husband … the butterflies in my stomach as I watched him walk toward my front door, the pride I felt walking beside him into the restaurant, and the heart flutters when he reached for my hand.
Time seemed to stand still that summer evening as we got to know each other over meaningful conversation and authentic Italian food. Somewhere in those first few hours together, I felt deep in my heart: My life would be perfect with this man!
Fast-forward twenty-four years—through the challenges of parenthood, career changes, health scares, and everyday stress. Life is far from perfect. We’ve both learned that marriage takes hard work and that love isn’t just a feeling.
We have chosen each other day after day, year upon year. We do our best to extend love and grace, even on days when it feels hard.
My love, however, can fluctuate with my feelings and circumstances. At times, the love I extend to my husband is inconsistent and incomplete. When my marriage is going well, I feel deeply loved, but when I’m stressed or hurt, I can become distant and less affectionate. When my circumstances change, my feelings can change.
Perhaps you can relate?
God’s love is different. It is limitless, unfailing, and consistent. It is whole and complete in every way. God’s love is selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial. It serves graciously, forgives continually, gives generously, and perseveres.
In Romans 5:8, God gives us a beautiful picture of the depth of His love: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Jesus didn’t merely tell us He loved us—He demonstrated His great love by giving His life for us. He willingly gave His life even while we were still rebellious sinners.
Praise God that He gave us a perfect example to follow: Jesus! So, how can we show sacrificial love to our spouses this week?
Maybe it looks like letting go of being right, even when I feel like I have every reason to be. Maybe it means really listening when all I want is for my spouse to understand me. Maybe it’s choosing to forgive before I necessarily feel like forgiving. Or letting go of an expectation I have instead of holding it over my spouse. Sometimes sacrificial love might simply mean doing something for my spouse without needing them to notice, thank me, or return the favor.
Maybe it could be laying down your pride, forgiving when you’d rather hold a grudge, serving when you’d rather be served, or listening when you’d rather be heard.
As we move through this week, I encourage you to serve your spouse in small, thoughtful ways. I always love it when my husband makes me coffee or runs an errand for me. I enjoy doing things that make his day a little easier, like having his favorite dinner ready for him after work or choosing to eat out at his favorite restaurant.
Let’s be generous in forgiveness this week, too. Let’s choose not to keep a record of every mistake our spouse makes, and let’s extend grace, the same grace we receive from Christ every day.
Let’s also encourage our spouses. Let’s take time to notice and compliment what they do well. Josh Howerton shared a great way to do this on Instagram. On date night, he and his wife ask one another over dinner: What are three ways I’m blessing you right now? What’s one way I could bless you more?
The greatest expression of love isn’t found in what we say, but in what we do.
Dear Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally. Thank You for teaching me what real love looks like through Jesus. Forgive me for the times I’ve made love conditional on my feelings. Teach me to love my spouse with sacrificial love. Show me where I need to lay down my pride, comfort, expectations, and desire to be right. Help me to serve, forgive, and extend grace and compassion—even when I don’t feel like it. I am grateful for my marriage and for my spouse. Help us make You the center of our marriage and reflect Your sacrificial love to each other every day. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.