I was struck by this verse in 2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty may become rich.
I forget sometimes that Jesus coming to Earth wasn’t just a publicity stunt to get the word out that God loves us and wants to be in relationship – it actually cost him. He became poor, giving up his status and power in Heaven, then giving up even his earthly life. Jesus held nothing back for himself, but the poverty he experienced makes us rich! We can enter the presence of God and we can live without fear because Jesus left the presence of God and was terrorized.
I’ve been challenged to reflect how far I’m willing to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Can I love my neighbour? Sure. Would I become poor for my neighbour? Not so much.