After I wrote an apology about not posting for a while, Holy Spirit laid something on my heart!
- “And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”-Acts 20:35 NLT
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- “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”-Luke 6:32-35 ESV
I began reflecting on Christmas a little more than usual this year. I am newly married and now living across the country from my family due to my husband being apart of the military. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that I would much rather have family time than presents. (Presence instead of presents) See what I did there! Haha! As my walk with God has grown, I’ve really realized it is much more rewarding to give than to recieve. I used to have the mindset of expecting people to treat me nice, I’m a nice person so why shouldn’t I be treated nice? However, loving on that person who is having a bad day, even though they’re taking their bad day out on you, is the best thing you can do.
People continually search for love. They’re searching for Christ’s character in you. The most important time to give, is when you feel like you can’t. If we do our part, God will bless it! Even if we don’t recieve our blessing here, we know God has stored it up in heaven. Lend people things, money, ect. without expecting it back in return. (Completely contradicts the world’s standards, I know…) Be kind, show love, because it’s what we are called to do as Children of God!
How will you give a little extra this holiday season? Don’t let giving be only something you do around Christmas!
