Those Who Forget

There is a two-way street in sacrifice. There’s the giver, who bears the cost, and then the receiver, who benefits or is meant to. But what happens when the recipient of that sacrifice doesn’t see its value, doesn’t understand its purpose, or worse, blatantly disregards it?

It’s a question that cuts deep because centrally, sacrifice is meant to connect two parties: the giver and the recipient. When that connection fails, the sacrifice feels diminished and the effort invalidated.

When you consider the celebration of Christmas for instance, it brings to memory, the birth of a man, by whom the greatest sacrifice of love was expressed. It marks the arrival of the Savior who would later lay down His life to redeem humanity.

Yet, as we gather in festive cheer, how many truly pause to reflect on the reason for the season? How often do we stop to honour the man who gave us the gift of salvation, even as we revel in the holiday spirit?

Christ’s sacrifice is unparalleled. He endured humiliation, betrayal, and excruciating pain for a world that didn’t ask for it and, for the most part, doesn’t appreciate it.

Even today, many live as if His gift never happened. There’s dirty partying, indulgence, and often outright sin in the name of a holiday that’s supposed to commemorate His love. How does He feel watching this unfold, looking down on a world He died to save, only to see many ignore His sacrifice? The pain isn’t just theoretical, it’s rooted in human experience too.

Imagine sacrificing your last money to feed a friend, only for them to complain it wasn’t enough. Or working overtime to afford a gift for someone, only for them to dismiss it as insignificant. Or forgiving someone who wronged you, only for them to repeat it with a touch of more wickedness. The truth is we often find ourselves faced with ingratitude. Thus, when sacrifices are misunderstood, the giver is left with a sting of unappreciation.

So, why do people dismiss or devalue sacrifice?

I strongly believe, that sometimes it is just ignorance. They simply don’t understand the cost. They see the gift but not the giver’s struggle or they feel they’re owed the sacrifice, and that it is their right rather than a generous act.

Also, others may not see how the sacrifice benefits them or why it is necessary. Meanwhile, for some, pride or past pain may block their ability to receive gratitude.

“I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” Maya Angelou. Sacrifice isn’t transactional. Its value isn’t diminished by ingratitude, nor does it lose its worth because the recipient fails to see it.

So then, should Christ have reconsidered His sacrifice, knowing that many would reject it? If He had, humanity would be without hope. His sacrifice wasn’t conditional on gratitude it was rooted in unconditional love.

Similarly, our sacrifices should reflect this divine model. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t set boundaries. Lokeni mentioned before, not every situation calls for continued giving, especially when it becomes harmful or one-sided. The key is discerning when to persist and when to pause, all while maintaining a heart of love.

On the other side of the equation is the recipient. How many of us pause to thank the people in our lives who risk their lives for our well-being, or even the friends who listen when we’re overwhelmed?

In the same way, how often do we pause to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice, especially on days like Christmas? Are we too busy celebrating to remember the reason for the holiday? This is where personal responsibility comes in. Gratitude requires awareness, and awareness requires reflection.

The truth is, Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t made for applause. It was made for love. Whether people recognize its value or not, it stands as the ultimate expression of grace. For those who give, His example is a reminder that sacrifice isn’t about validation, it’s about impact.

Yet, Christ also teaches us balance. He didn’t force people to accept His gift; He offered it freely. In the same way, we must release our sacrifices without expecting control over how they’re received.

Thence, as we celebrate Christmas, let’s make space for gratitude. Let’s think about the sacrifices made for us not just by Christ, but by parents and loved ones. And if we’re on the giving end, let’s always remember that the value of our sacrifices isn’t determined by others’ recognition but by the love with which we offer them.

“When we were children, we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs?” G.K. Chesterton. Let’s not wait for sacrifices to be forgotten before we begin to appreciate them.

In the end, what matters as givers is that our sacrifice aligns with the greater purpose of love and transformation.

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