Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” ~Matthew 16:24-25

Me: You want me to DENY myself? No one denies themselves anything…unless you live in a convent. I’m no nun!

Jesus: I want you to put off your old way of thinking and doing and BE the new creation that you are! Like Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Me: But what does that even mean?

Jesus: A disciple imitates the teacher. I left my place in heaven, with all the riches, power, honor imaginable to be on earth, at the right time, to be the Savior of the world. But, when My mission was complete, after losing my earthly life, I regained everything I left and everyone in Me has found eternal life.

Me: I don’t want to suffer like you did. I don’t want a cross.

Jesus: You don’t have to. In fact, you 100% can not. No one can. That is why I did it for you. I love you that much. When you imitate me, you are loving others more than yourself. You are forgiving and compassionate, kind and patient. Full of peace and joy.

Me: I try. I really really do. But I can be a real jerk sometimes.

Jesus: I know. But I love you anyway. And NOTHING can separate you from that love. Get out your Bible and read Romans 8:31-39. Let those words wash over you and imprint on your heart. I love you. Every bit of you.

Have a blessed day!

Bonnie
Blessed Be Boutique

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