Lay it on the altar

We sang a hymn in church yesterday -- When Jesus came to show the Father's love, He came as a sacrifice. He put himself upon the altar.

I read somewhere else recently Love, real love, always involves sacrifice and suffering.

I think I've lived my whole life with my head in the clouds. Suffering was something to escape or deny.

For Jesus, suffering was the path to our redemption. It was not his will, anymore than it is mine. However, he did not deny or choose to escape even though he could have.

Jesus chose to love me and all humankind in all times and places so much that he was willing to suffer.

For what or for whom am I willing to suffer?