Celebrate! May 30, 2025 Devotional
May 30, 2025
JAMES 1:2-4 | 2 My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing.
The greatest difference between the connotations of the word sacrifice, for the believer and the sceptic, concerns joy. For the disciple, sacrifice can be a source of deep satisfaction and joy. First, there is a sense of Christ’s presence in moments when we make a personal or financial sacrifice, when we bless or help. Second, we know that no such act is ever lost in the rush of time, but it stands forever in the eternal Kingdom. Third, we know that our sacrifices echo, in a small way, the great liberating sacrifice of Jesus. Fourth, we sense that we change as we embrace sacrifices—we are more free, less burdened, and more hopeful. Fifth, we become examples and encouragers for others to follow.
Which reason increases your joy?
Gracious God,
Help me remember the connection between sacrifice and joy—and to live it out.
Amen.
