The abundance of short, simple devotionals can be hard to sort through. Finding time each day to study the Bible can be tough, so we’ve compiled some good Bible verses to reflect on through verse reflections like this from Christian writers. Join us in learning about why the Bible matters and how God can speak to us through it.

Self-Denial in the Bible

When did you last insist on getting your way—only to realize later it wasn’t actually a big deal? 

It’s easy to zero in on what we think is best at the moment, and forget to consider the people we’re bulldozing in the process. 

And these small moments are totally connected to a Christian concept called self-denial. If you find yourself wondering, “What does the Bible say about self-denial?”, check out this short devotional by Ashley—she reflects on self-denial in the Bible, and a better way of handling those small moments where we’re tempted to insist on our own way.

Luke 22:42 

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 

Written by Ashley Ashcraft

I did NOT want to postpone our family’s Christmas gathering until after New Year’s—and I wanted everyone to know it. It’d make way more sense to do this in advance of Christmas, instead of waiting.  Looking back, it was so silly. Did it really matter (at all!) on which night we opened gifts? Why was I being so stubborn in this?

Not getting our way when it comes to a small thing like holiday planning might seem trivial, but we’re fooling ourselves if we think a mindset like this is not connected to something bigger. If I can’t deny myself in the small things, how can I ever be expected to in big ways?

 Sacrifice, or denial of self, is at the center of the gospel message. We see it clearly identified in Christ’s prayer in the Garden: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22: 42). This denial of what he wanted—to not go through the pain, suffering, and death he knew he was facing, stands as a testament that sacrifice is key to the good news. 

Why It Matters

There will be times where you can choose to not get your way—to give preference to other people. This can be on a small or grand scale. Nevertheless, it is a way in which you (and I) can tangibly walk in the way of love—to give of ourselves. These small offerings then in turn prepare us to “not get our way” on a much bigger scale. They prepare us to say “not my will, but yours” to Christ in any situation

We believe that simple devotions like this verse reflection help us connect with God, so we’ve curated a whole stash of short Christian devotions. Check them out here!