We really do often get things the wrong way round. First we don’t define spiritual words according to scripture but use worldly definitions which often are completely contrary to scripture, which should be our basis if we are defining spiritual words. And we often attribute negative or painful definitions rather than looking at the word from God’s perspective. My case in point… sacrifice.
Sacrifice, according to Webster, is: “the act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else or to help someone.” Another definition from Webster states, “…to suffer loss of, give up, renounce, injure, or destroy especially for an ideal, belief, or end.” Now.. doesn’t that just make you want to sacrifice? I think not. Look at the definition – give up something you want. The reason – to get something else. It is only belatedly stated as: to help someone. Really! Makes sacrifice to be a self-serving act, doesn’t it?
However, when you look at the scriptural definition we find a different approach and definition. God speaking in Hosea 6:6 “For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Matthew 9:13 Jesus tells us, “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but the sinner to repentance.” This is an entirely different mindset. The world definition is deprivation but the spiritual is focused on inclusion and gain.
I won’t argue that, at times, sacrifice does include ‘giving up’ something you consider of value. But… for what reason? To suffer? Suffer what? Scripture is clear in that the Lord desires mercy and not sacrifice. I am not disparaging sacrifice, but I would suggest putting it in the proper context and definition… and this cannot be done outside of knowing what the Father’s word says. Somehow I’ve never read that ‘suffering’ is part of the definition.
