”15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Hebrews 13:15-16
What is sacrifice?
Today, we are diving into a profound and timeless aspect of our Christian faith—sacrifice. Our scripture today comes from Hebrews 13:15-16, which reads: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Understanding Sacrifice
When we think of sacrifice, our minds often drift to grand, dramatic gestures—people giving up their lives for a cause, or Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross. While these are indeed significant, the Bible calls us to understand and practice sacrifice in our everyday lives in more subtle yet profound ways.
The Sacrifice of Praise
The author of Hebrews urges us to “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” This may seem simple, but it requires a deep commitment. Praising God in all circumstances—during times of joy and hardship alike—is not always easy. It’s a sacrifice because it requires us to shift our focus from our troubles to God’s goodness, from our pain to His promises.
Consider the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. After being beaten and imprisoned, they chose to pray and sing hymns to God. Their praise amidst suffering became a powerful testimony, leading to the conversion of the jailer and his family. Their sacrifice of praise, given in the darkest hour, opened the door for God’s miraculous intervention.
Doing Good and Sharing with Others
Hebrews 13:16 emphasizes another dimension of sacrifice: “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Sacrifice is not merely about what we say, but also about what we do. Our actions toward others are a tangible expression of our faith.
Think about the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. The Samaritan man went out of his way to help a wounded stranger, using his own resources and time to care for him. This act of goodness and sharing was a sacrifice—an offering to God that came at a personal cost. Yet, it exemplifies the kind of sacrifice that pleases God.
Practical Sacrifices in Our Lives
In our modern context, how can we live out these principles of sacrifice? Here are a few practical ways:
- Time: Offer your time to God and others. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor, or spending time in prayer and worship, time is a valuable commodity in today’s fast-paced world.
- Resources: Share what you have with those in need. This could be money, food, clothing, or even your talents. Generosity is a powerful form of sacrifice that reflects God’s love and provision.
- Words: Use your words to build others up, to encourage and to speak life. A kind word, a note of encouragement, or a simple prayer can be a sacrificial act that has a profound impact.
- Forgiveness: Sacrifice your right to hold onto grudges and bitterness. Forgiving those who have wronged us is a significant sacrifice that mirrors the forgiveness we have received from God.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
All our sacrifices are modeled after the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation upon which we build our acts of sacrifice. Jesus showed us that true sacrifice is born out of love—a love so deep that it puts others before oneself.C
Let’s remember that every day presents us with opportunities to offer sacrifices of praise, to do good, and to share with others. These sacrifices, though they may seem small, are precious in the sight of God. They are acts of worship that please Him and reflect His character to the world.
As we continue our walk along the narrow path today, let’s ask God to open our eyes to the countless ways we can offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to Him. Through our words, actions, and hearts, may we continually honor God and serve those around us.
To God be all the glory, now and forever.
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Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon Paul,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
