Values Quotes – Michael Novak on Sacrifice

Today’s quote is from Michael Novak, an American Catholic philosopher, author, and diplomat.

A profound quote from Novak is:

“Love is not a feeling of happiness. Love is a willingness to sacrifice.”

What a great quote that sheds light on how to experience real love. It starts with an understanding of sacrifice.

As a differentiating value, Sacrifice means giving up something at less than its value; or surrendering something of value. Sounds like a strange way to trade.

But a great place to apply this value is in marriage.

Many people get married looking for someone to “love them”. And then they’re disappointed.

If you really want to experience love, you need to first be willing to give up something – your time, your energy, your possessions, and maybe most importantly your own opinions. When we are prepared to surrender ourselves – putting aside our own desires – for the benefit of someone else, we are demonstrating true love.

But here’s the really cool part. When you willingly sacrifice for someone else out of a genuine love, you’ll often receive love in return.

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Devoutness-Purity” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.