The Rights We Give Up

Following Jesus is not about gaining more; it is about giving up more. He did not cling to His rights, even though He was God. He emptied Himself and trusted the Father completely. That is the pattern for us.

Here are ten rights every believer will eventually be invited to give up. Not because they are wrong, but because holding on to them keeps grace from flowing freely.


1. The right to control outcomes
We give up the illusion that peace depends on how things turn out. Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”


2. The right to be understood
We stop needing others to see our motives or agree with us. Jesus was often misunderstood, yet He stayed quiet and faithful.


3. The right to be right
We give up the need to prove ourselves correct and choose humility instead. Love does not insist on its own way.


4. The right to fairness
We release our demand for justice on our terms and trust God to handle it. “Vengeance is Mine,” He says, “I will repay.”


5. The right to comfort
We let go of our attachment to ease and predictability. Growth rarely happens in comfort.


6. The right to reputation
We entrust our name and image to God. Jesus “made Himself of no reputation.”


7. The right to control others
We stop trying to manage or fix the people around us. Love replaces control.


8. The right to immediate answers
We give up the need to understand before we obey. Faith often walks in silence before it walks in sight.


9. The right to hold resentment
We release the satisfaction of being offended and choose forgiveness instead. It frees the heart to heal.


10. The right to our own life
This is the highest one. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”


Giving up these rights is not loss. It is exchange. We give up control and find peace. We give up pride and find rest. We give up self and find Christ.