Listen to today’s devo!

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! (Phil 2:8)

Expanded Passage: Philippians 2:6-8

Foster parenting requires a unique calling. I’ve watched numerous friends step into it. Nothing about entering this life and system is easy—not the assessments and scrutiny, not the home renovations and constant schedule adjustments. There is nothing easy about the heartbreak that accompanies helping children learn a new way of living after traumatic experiences and abandonment and the grief that is constantly present when you open your heart to someone who can’t stay. And while a foster parent’s greatest desire may be to do good for their foster placements, their care may not even be received because the children aren’t used to real love and generosity.

Jesus could have entered our world shrouded in privilege and the kind of regal protection afforded only to the God of the universe. But instead, he took on a body destined for temptation, hardship, and eventually physical death. He traveled constantly in the heat, ministered while hungry and weary, and sweat drops of blood after ultimate betrayal. His overwhelming love for people made him agonize for their freedom. While he could have chosen himself, he chose us.

The love of God is sacrificial love. And the love we are called to as children of God is the same. It’s familial, inherited. It grows in us as we abide in the One who demonstrated it completely while we were still sinners.

Walk in Jesus’ sacrificial love.

Elizabeth Rhyno is wife to Scott, mom to three adult children, and a worship pastor and entrepreneur. She enjoys coaching women and creating opportunities to invest in their growth and development.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.