Giving Up a Right

In a family, we all keep a quiet scorecard. I did the dishes last night. I got up with the baby. It’s your turn. Fairness matters. But love often asks us to give up something we have every right to keep.

Paul had rights as an apostle, and he set them aside on purpose. “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” He gave things up for people who would never pay him back.

Jesus calls everyone who follows him to the same thing: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Daily. In ordinary moments at home, as well as in great sacrifices.

Paul puts it in one sentence: “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” This week, give up one right at home without keeping score. Do it for someone who will never repay you.