When we willingly make a sacrifice for someone, we open our hearts towards that person. When we make a sacrifice, we move other things, other thoughts, out of the way. This enables a clear channel between us and that other person.

I think of Jesus. He made the ultimate sacrifice for us. He willingly laid down his life for us. Earlier he had prayed to the Father, "If it ... be possible, take this cup from me." He realized that dying on a cross was going to be painful and agonizing. As a human, he did not want to suffer so severly. But he also realized that such a great sacrifice.....