“Indeed, only with difficulty does one die for a just person, though perhaps for a good person one might even find courage to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:7-8
For whom am I willing to die? My family, perhaps. A great friend, maybe. But this question gets harder when I consider it with an open and discerning mind.
I don’t want to let go of slights against me. I don’t want to step away from an intense argument. I don’t want to admit defeat to a lesser opponent. I don’t want to just be thankful for what I have.
Especially in Lent, I am called to let these clinging, maddening instincts die; to die at others’ hands; to turn the other cheek.
And they will know that we are Christians by our love.
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God, who died for us: thank you. And for all the love you showed in that irreconcilable act of grace and mercy, may we choose to embody the same with your Holy Spirit bracing our resolve. Amen.
— Brosnan Elrod