Serving and living for others; putting the needs of others before your own — This is probably the greatest lesson we can learn from our Lord Jesus, who selflessly loved, gave, and died for all mankind. Unfortunately, this task seems to be strictly Divine, for, many times, it is nearly impossible for humans to be this selfless! And should you ask anyone what makes this task so difficult the answer is always: Others!
  
Others are difficult to live with. Others get in the way. Yes, others’ decisions have consequences for my life which I don’t choose, but, if I want to be more like my Savior, then living for others is a must. Others can leave us with feelings of resentment and bitterness. The actions of others took Jesus to the cross. Others caused Him pain and suffering. Others mocked and mistreated Him. In return, Jesus gave His life to pay for others' wrongdoings!
  
So, how do we get to that place of forgiveness? How can we see past others’ faults and look to the cross instead? We pray! Prayer is the only way to reach a life’s transformation. It was only after praying that Jesus was able to say, “Not my will”. It was only through prayer that He was able to bear the torture bestowed on Him by others. He was able to give His life without resentment; without feeling like a victim of others’ vicious attempts to ruin Him. He gave up His freedom without bearing a grudge towards others. And in the midst of it all, He prayed for others!  “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) No one signs up for martyrship, but ultimately we, God’s children, are asked to move beyond ourselves and sacrifice ourselves in the name of love. Allow yourself to live for others today!