Letting Go to Truly Live: Reflecting on Luke 9:23–25

“Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?’” – Luke 9:23–25 (NIV)

🍂 Introduction: A Season of Release

Fall is a season that whispers the beauty of letting go. Just as the trees release their leaves, we too are invited to loosen our grip on the things that weigh us down. Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23–25 call us into this same rhythm of surrender: to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him.

This isn’t a once-in-a-lifetime decision—it’s a daily invitation to reflect, release, and renew. 🌿

💛 1. The Call to Deny Ourselves

To deny ourselves doesn’t mean we lose our worth or identity. It means we choose God’s will over our own. It’s laying down pride, control, or selfish ambition so that His Spirit can lead us.
✨ Practical Application: Ask yourself—“Am I making this decision to please God or to satisfy myself?”

🕊️ 2. Take Up Your Cross Daily

The cross was a symbol of sacrifice and surrender. Jesus reminds us that following Him means daily choosing faith over fear, forgiveness over resentment, and love over bitterness.
✨ Practical Application: Identify one small daily practice that helps you carry your cross with grace—whether it’s pausing to pray, speaking with kindness, or showing compassion.

🌿 3. Losing to Gain

Jesus flips the world’s definition of success. He tells us that clinging tightly to our life leads to loss, but releasing it into His hands leads to true life. Like the trees in fall, letting go of what is no longer needed makes space for new growth.
✨ Practical Application: Write down one thing God is asking you to release this season (worry, comparison, striving). Then prayerfully surrender it.

🍂 Closing Reflection

Following Jesus is less about holding on and more about releasing. In this season of Reflect + Release, may you find the courage to let go of what isn’t serving your soul and embrace the abundant life only Christ offers.

💛 Looking for a more personal reflection on this passage?
👉 Read the devotional here: The Daily Cross: Releasing to Follow Christ ✨