Understanding Surrender

There can be a lot of negative connotation around the word surrender, sometimes even underestimating its importance and meaning in our lives. Admiring fiercely independent people is easy as they are often our everyday heroes. We also know how brave it is at times to surrender, and not always in big acts, but in the many small sacrifices we give everyday to our loved ones. We are invested in their lives, dedicated to being available, supportive, and providing anything that is needed for the well being of our families.

It is the same with God, as God surrenders and gives to us, we do for God. The act of surrendering is a relationship decision. Not everyone has the same bottom line. It is diverse. What I give over to God is different from what the next person might. For instance, the measurement of how much I connect and allow my life and person to be given over to the unification with God is subject to personal growth and healing. This does not take away my independence, but is independent. It is like this with all other things believed academically, scientifically, and psychologically. Any choice we make with an educated authentic reasoning is progressive. Reasoning is not confined to provable spheres, but also allowed in those of faith, unknown physics, or emotional intelligence. Intelligence and versatility, experimental and diverse thought implore upon these mental terrains, not against them.

Surrender is one of those human qualities that allows a dismantling of the sole focus on ourselves. For instance, I don’t have to fear a lack of control, lest I believe I can control all the circumstances to my favor. We know this is impossible. We give up our own ways all the time and end up collaborating with the people we work with and live. This is a type of surrender. We collaborate with God as well. Surrender is hearing and considering God’s input through his word, Holy Spirit, and interactive relationship. This makes it a real life change in a spiritual act. One person to another. One being to another.

Genuine love answers for surrender. If a person loves another deeply from the heart, they are willing to go the extra mile, give more, work together, collaborate, let others have the win, make the sacrifice of love. It serves, and gives, and surrenders to each one of our needs. This is God’s surrender to us. He showed us his love by laying his life down in proxy to bridge our separation from God, and took the consequences of our faults upon himself. He gave himself up to offer love, forgiveness, and shelter so that we would gain his life and he would gain us.

Surrendering to God is much like for example, when my husband and I are arguing, and I am determined to believe a lie about his outlook. Instead of being defensive, he might choose to look past my accusation because he knows how much he is accepted and loved, and then is quick to love and forgive me for the false judgment. This is surrender. This is God, and people love one another deeply everyday like this, or don’t. Everyone shares in love and surrender. This is how surrender and faith have purpose in God, it is when we are united in a spiritual relationship. Christianity is not surrendering to religious laws. Living with God is not about surrendering to the Ten Commandments. Instead, it is about giving your life to God because his life is given to you. God is here connecting with every person. It is a sharing process.