The ​“self-denial” many Christians practice is born of fear — fear of God’s punishment and others’ rejection. It’s the kind that denies our worth and belovedness, thinking we’re doing God a favor. The fruit is self-pity, resentment, and depression. 

But the self-denial of which Jesus spoke is borne of love — love of God, love of others, and love, in the healthiest sense, of self. It is saying no to needing our own way (now!) to saying yes to God’s way and the interests of others. The fruit is life and peace. 

In an excerpt from Celebration of Discipline that’s worth revisiting often, Richard Foster helps us understand Jesus’ kind of self-denial. 

Also featured this week is a piece from John Calvin on the same topic. While it’s not light reading, it’s surprisingly accessible. He encourages us to ​“surrender completely to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.” 

sIn the week to come, may you hear the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit directing your yeses and your noes.