Only when we are prepared to let go of the things that tempt us to keep life under our own control are we prepared to give up our lives—even to the point of death. Jesus was very clear about that. He told his disciples, “I’ve taught you how to love one another. Real love is when a person is prepared to lay down their life for their friends” (John 15:12–13 PAR). That is the ultimate self-denial, to be sure. But those who walk in the kingdom of God, and know his sufficiency, are ready to give and forgive without limitation.
