I would just like to focus on the "take up your cross" portion of this verse today. We hear this phrase frequently as Christians, but how often do we really take a moment to think about what this means? First, we need to look at the cross that Christ carried. Think about a crucifix. Sometimes, because we see crucifixes so often, it is easy to forget what really happened upon that cross.. Jesus Christ not only carried that cross when He was physically incredibly weak, but He was nailed to it, bled upon it, and died upon it for our sake. He completely emptied Himself. It was not an easy death, but He did it out of love for us. That is how much Jesus Christ loves YOU. He would have gone through all the pain and suffering if you had been the only one who needed saving. It blows me away that we have a God who loves us that much! In this verse, Jesus says if we want to be His follower, we have to take up our crosses. Our cross will most likely not be a cross of the same degree of physical suffering that Jesus went through for us, but we do all have crosses that we are being asked to carry. Every person's cross is different and unique to them. It could be a sickness, a hard time in your family, a difficulty with work, school, or friends. Whatever it is, we have an opportunity through our suffering to take up our cross and share in the sacrifice of Christ. As He emptied Himself upon the cross, we can empty ourselves for Him as we carry our crosses with joy. Suffering and pain is a part of our life as humans. But when suffering comes our way, we have a choice to make. This week I challenge you to take up your cross and follow Him, for He loves you and He is love. Let us unite our trials to the passion of Christ, who loved us unto death.
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