Emptied To Be Filled

Grab

Share something small you recently had to let go of (a plan, expectation, or preference). 

How did it turn out?

Grace

Emptiness is often seen as negative. We are taught to seek fullness: to have more, to be more, to feel complete. While this desire is not wrong, the deeper question is not simply how full we are, but what we are full of. What fills us ultimately shapes who we become.

When we are filled with ourselves, with our pride, our need for control, our desire to be right, there is little room for God to work within us. This becomes evident in our daily lives: in how quickly we react, how tightly we cling to our own ways, and how resistant we are to surrender. What fills our hearts influences how we think, act, and love.

As Christians, we are invited into a divine paradox: to be filled, we must first learn to empty ourselves. This means letting go of what the world values, denying ourselves, surrendering our will, and releasing our need for control. We come before God not in self-sufficiency, but with openness and humility.

Jesus Himself shows us this path. Though He is God, He did not cling to His divinity but chose to empty Himself - taking on human form, humbling Himself, and embracing suffering, even death on a cross. The Creator became part of creation, the King became a servant, and the Almighty chose surrender. We are called to share in this same posture of heart and mind.

Self-emptying is often quiet and unseen. It happens in small, daily choices: in the pause before reacting, in choosing humility over pride, in surrendering our plans and desires to God. It is not about losing ourselves, but about making space for God to move more freely within us.

At the same time, we are called to intentionally fill our hearts and minds with what is of God. As Philippians 4:8 reminds us, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious… think about these things.”. As we do this, something within us begins to change. We grow in patience, peace, and love because God is at work within us. We are not meant to remain empty. We empty ourselves so that God can fill us- with His truth, His love, His grace, and His life. This is the paradox of our faith: we are filled by emptying ourselves.

We are called to let go of what we keep holding onto, to surrender what we keep trying to control, and to make space again and again for God to dwell within us. Because in the end, a full life is not one that is filled with ourselves, but one that is emptied to be filled completely by God.

Reference: Inscrutable Wisdom of God by Frank Padilla

Gather

1.     What am I currently holding onto that God is asking me to surrender?

2.     In what areas of my life am I “too full” to receive God more fully?

3.     As a couple, what is one area in our marriage where God might be inviting us to empty ourselves so we can make more space for Him?

Go Forth

This week, practice one concrete act of self-emptying each day (whether it is letting go of control, choosing humility, forgiving someone, or surrendering a worry to God.) Allow God to fill that space with His grace, and experience the freedom that comes from living in Him.

Give

God is Generous and in response, let us be good stewards by consistent Spiritual Giving, our tithing. For Tithes Remittance of NCR Members: bit.ly/mfctithes

Go on Mission

Seek for opportunities to service in MFC and/ or LCSC. MFC members 3 years and up are encouraged to go on mission in your own area or province. This can be done as a couple, with your household, or with your family. #FamiliesOnMission