There are two important things that Jesus did during His life and ministry. He would comfort the afflicted, and He would afflict the comfortable. He would insist that His followers love Him more than we love our parents, our partners, and even our children. This is not easy. In fact, it is incredibly difficult and can be excruciatingly painful. Knowing that, Jesus added, “Whoever does not take up his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me.”
    
Anyone or anything that we love more than God, and therefore Christ, is our god. He goes on to add that whatever we may lose because of our faithfulness to Him, we will be rewarded.
    
How do I love Jesus more than parents, spouse, and children? Choose to make Christ your Lord and Savior. Invite Him into your life and commit to living according to His Words. Read the Scriptures so that you know what He is asking of you. Pray every day. Consecrate every day to serving Him. Treat those in need as if they were Jesus Himself. When we love the poor, we are loving Jesus Himself.