Abuse vs. Self-Sacrifice

I have not had a whole lot of time to think recently because of multiple factors, but I have still had some time to think on the topic of abuse and self-sacrifice. My sister told me I seem to be used and abused frequently by others, and at times I feel this is true but at other times I think it is that I am sacrificing myself for another's good without expecting anything in return. I know, you probably think that is a bunch of rubbish but let me explain.

Abuse is a transitive verb. It therefore has a doer of the verb and a receiver of the verb. For example, take the transitive verb to teach in the sentence: I teach Crystal. I (the subject of the sentence) am doing the action (teaching). The action (teaching) is being done to Crystal. Crystal is the receiver of the transitive verb. Abuse is a transitive verb that means "to be used so as to injure, damage, or attack with word" (thank you Mirriam-Webster!) The thing is, you cannot be abused if you do not see the other persons actions as abuse.

Put another way, I refuse to allow myself to think that people are out to abuse me. They have their needs and sometimes I can meet those needs. When I can meet those needs, I will. That is part of being a Christian: self-sacrifice. "Turning the other cheek" is self-sacrifice. Self-sacrifice is a noun. It therefore is a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case it is an idea. It is a concept that you have to choose to exemplify or not. I choose self-sacrifice because the alternatives are egotistical. Self-sacrifice is the "sacrifice of one's self or interests for others." I am called to lay down my life for my friends. This could cause a lot of aggravation, but in the end the rewards far outweigh any possible earthly negative consequence.

I choose self-sacrifice.