In our journey of faith, we often encounter challenging concepts that push us beyond our comfort zones. One such powerful idea is the necessity of dying to self in order to truly live for God. This paradoxical truth lies at the heart of Christian discipleship and opens the door to a life of deeper empathy, compassion, and spiritual vitality.

The concept of dying to self is not a one-time event, but a daily practice. As Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." This daily surrender allows God to live and respond through us to a world in desperate need of His presence. When we die to ourselves, we become vessels through which God can touch others.

But what does it mean to die to self? It doesn't mean becoming numb or inactive. Rather, it means letting go of our old ways of living – our sins, our selfishness, and our need to always be right. In a world that constantly shouts, "I'm right!" and "We have the answers!", dying to self invites us to step back and listen to God's still, small voice.

The Apostle Paul beautifully captures this transformation in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." This verse reminds us that our identity is now found in Christ, not in our own accomplishments or self-importance.

Dying to self opens the door to true empathy. Real empathy isn't about connecting with others on our own terms or through our own understanding. It's about listening deeply and speaking the emotional language of those we're trying to reach. It requires us to strip away our own desires and wants for the good of others.

This kind of empathy can be challenging, especially when we're called to show compassion to those who have hurt us or those we disagree with. Yet, it's in these moments that we have the opportunity to reflect Christ's love most powerfully. Jesus himself, while hanging on the cross, demonstrated the ultimate act of empathy when he said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

Living with empathy doesn't mean we become doormats or that we never experience negative emotions. It does mean, however, that we choose to respond with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness – even when it's difficult. As Ephesians 4:32 instructs us, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

This way of living isn't optional for followers of Christ. It's an expectation and a command. Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12). This love isn't based on feelings or circumstances; it's a choice we make daily, often in the face of our own pain or disappointment.

Living out this kind of love and empathy can feel like walking through fire. In fact, the imagery of fire is a powerful metaphor for the transformative work God wants to do in our lives. Just as a controlled burn can clear away dead underbrush and prepare the soil for new growth, God sometimes allows us to go through fiery trials to burn away everything that hinders our spiritual growth.

When we're in the midst of these "brush fires," it's tempting to ask God to put them out immediately. But there's wisdom in allowing the process to unfold. As difficult as it may be, these times of testing can prepare us for a greater harvest in our lives. They can soften the soil of our hearts, making us more receptive to the seeds God wants to plant.

This process of dying to self and growing in empathy isn't just for our own benefit. It's about becoming a light in a dark world. When we allow God's love to shine through us, we become beacons of hope to those around us. We may be the only Bible some people ever read, and our actions speak louder than our words.

The challenge for each of us is to ask ourselves: Are we willing to let God be a consuming fire in our lives? Are we ready for Him to have everything? Are we prepared to let Him "kill" everything in us that doesn't align with His will?

It starts with a change in mindset. Instead of focusing on our rights or on being right, we can choose to focus on being kind, compassionate, and forgiving. We can choose to bear one another's burdens, as Galatians 6:2 encourages us to do. This might mean walking alongside someone who's struggling, even when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable.

As we grow in Christ and continue to die to self, our sense of entitlement and our need to be right will fade away. We'll find ourselves saying, like Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). This surrender isn't passive; it's an active choice to align our will with God's and then to act on it.

Living this way isn't easy. It requires constant vigilance and a willingness to confront our own shortcomings. It means being honest about our struggles and allowing others to speak into our lives. It means forgiving not just others, but also ourselves.

But the rewards of this lifestyle are immeasurable. As we walk in empathy and understand others' pain, we find healing for our own wounds. We discover a depth of joy and peace that transcends circumstances. We become part of a community that truly reflects God's love to the world.

In the end, dying to self and living with empathy is about becoming more like Christ. It's about allowing God's consuming fire to purify us, His wind to guide us, and His love to transform us. As we surrender ourselves daily to this process, we become living testimonies of God's grace and power.

So let us embrace this challenge. Let us ask God to light us up, to consume everything in us that doesn't reflect His character. Let us forgive those who have hurt us, even when it's difficult. And let us step out in faith, ready to be used by God to touch the lives of those around us.

In doing so, we join a long line of faithful believers who have discovered that true life is found in losing ourselves for the sake of Christ and others. May we, too, experience the freedom and joy that comes from dying to self and living with empathy.

If this sermon spoke to you and you’re ready to explore it further, this study guide is for you! Inside, you’ll find key Scriptures, reflection questions, and practical applications to help you grow in your faith. Open it up, dig in, and let God’s Word transform your life!