Easter. It’s the cornerstone of our faith. The guiding principles of our faith lie in our Creator’s sacrifice – His only Son. For us. There isn’t a more prevalent image than that of the Cross. The whole of God’s Word is summed up there. Death. Burial. Resurrection. Redemption.
The Easter story is the ultimate story of worth. Jesus placed such a high value on relationship with us that He gave His life so He could be with us eternally.
As we move on past this day of remembrance, back to our normal routines – there are some important lessons that we can learn from Jesus about fighting for the worth in others.
Give.
What are the important people in your life worth to you? What’s too high a price to pay for those relationships? Your spouse? Your children? Whomever they are that you’re fighting for – give them your all. Everyone who’s worth fighting for in your life deserves the whole you. God sent everything He had – His only Son – because we were worth it all. Sometimes giving it all simply means that your loved ones know that you’re there – always – and nothing they can ever do or say will cause you to quit on them. Jesus gave it all because He loved us. How much should we give to others? All.
Endure.
Sometimes we want to quit. We’re tired. Burned out. We just don’t see how we can finish the race. Hebrews 12:2 says, “…but for the joy that was set before Him Jesus endured the Cross…” The Cross wasn’t comfortable, it was humiliating, shameful and agonizing. Jesus stayed on the Cross because the joy set before Him was you and me. He endured the cross for us, not because who we are in the moment had earned it but because who He knew we could be in the future was worth it. When we’re fighting for someone – a child, a spouse, a loved one – we have to fight for the future, not the present. The present will fool us – words, behaviors, emotions – they will give us excuses (valid ones) to quit. The future will give us reasons to keep going. What joy is set before you? Focus on it and don’t give up.
Forgive.
The most humbling set of words ever uttered on this planet were, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” There are so many times in life that I’m tempted to hold onto bitterness, anger and strife against others because they’ve hurt me. Yet, Jesus’ example is the exact opposite. As the people stood around his dying, naked, bruised and beaten body mocking him – He prayed for them. He forgave. Forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s the ultimate strength. To forgive someone – really forgive them and release them from the wrongs that have been done or are being done against you is courage. Who do you need to forgive? Live a life of quick forgiveness, you won’t regret it.
Above all, hope. Life is messy and tough. People will hurt you, ignore you, talk about you and betray you. Even so, they’re worth the fight.
Today, as I reflect on what Jesus did for us through His death, burial and resurrection – I’m thankful.
Who in your life needs to hear you say, “You’re someone worth fighting for.“
