For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.

He must increase, but I must decrease.

Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his soul loses it, and he who hates his soul in this world will keep it to life eternal.

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and insofar as I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.