When we speak, we speak life or death.
When Jesus went to the cross, He revealed more than redemption — He revealed the truth about our worldly nature, and the call to “die to self” in every moment, every response, every word.
Let’s look at the parallels between how we often live now, and what Scripture teaches us to put to death.
Because the truth is this: If we cannot “die to ourselves” in daily conversations — especially when a topic is contentious — how could we ever do greater things for the Kingdom of God?
The Four at Calvary
When Jesus was crucified at Calvary for the sins of the world, there were four participants:
- Jesus
- The crucifiers
- The first thief
- The second thief
“There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them.” — John 19:18 (ESV)
And when we “crucify” someone with our words, the same four appear again:
- The crucifier
- The sacrificial lamb
- The good thief
- The bad thief
The Four in Our Conversations
The crucifier The one delivering the dark response, the harsh comment, the cutting action.
The sacrificial lamb The one receiving the blow — the one being wounded by words.
The good thief The one who feels compassion, who sees the injustice, who leans toward mercy.
The bad thief The one who agrees with the crucifier, who joins the attack, who adds fuel to the fire.
So the question becomes:
Which one are you?
The Heart Speaks
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” — Luke 6:45 (KJV)
Your mouth reveals your heart. Your words reveal your nature. Your responses reveal your spiritual condition.
This is why it is essential — absolutely essential — to bring every thought, whisper, imagination, and impulse into submission under Christ.
If you don’t, you will find yourself standing in the place of the bad thief.
How to Sacrifice Yourself
To “die to self” is not mystical. It is practical. It is daily. It is intentional.
Scripture tells us plainly:
“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5 (KJV)
This is the sacrifice God desires — not the sacrifice of others through your words, but the sacrifice of your own flesh, your own pride, your own impulse to strike back.
This is how you become the good thief. This is how you stop being the crucifier. This is how you reflect Christ.
