Guiding Light!
Giving!
Giving is the foundation of any relationship.
The law of Moses could not save us, because of our sinful nature. But God put into effect a different plan to save us. He sent his own Son in a human body like ours, except that ours are sinful. God destroyed sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.
Romans 8:3
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
Here we see that God has set the example of giving, He gave the ultimate gift, "His Son." When two people are focused on giving to one another, then the relationship flows in two directions, connecting, linking and forging the bond of love. But when the focus is on taking, the the dynamic pulls in opposite directions, creating strain and tension.
As we have read in the book of Genesis about the sins of Sodom it was not their sexual immorality that caused God to destroy the city it was their sin of social injustice. As we read in Ezekiel, "Look, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughter had pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy." Ezekiel 16:49
Practically speaking then, how do I become a "giver?" The answer is simple: Start giving! Some people may say, "I can only give to someone I love." This is incorrect. The Hebrew word of "give" is hav, which is the same root as ahava, which means "Love." Giving is what leads to love. When I give, I invest a part of myself, making you more precious to me. This is why parents love their children most of all, it is their greatest investment.
Here are a few suggestions on how to give: Visit some patients at your local hospital, invite your friends over for a dinner, volunteer to serve meals at a homeless shelter, or do the dishes at home even when it is not your turn. Try to imitate God and be a giver. Do it with zeal as for the Lord, do it like your life depends on it.
Heavenly Father we thank you for your gift to us, Your Son Christ Jesus, we thank you for your gift of eternal life through Jesus, we thank you for all that we have, for it all comes from you. Teach us Father to become better givers for your glory. Forgive us for not stepping out of our comfort zone to reach the lost and hurting, we vow today to become better servants for You and Your Kingdom....it is in Jesus name we pray........amen
Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Philippians 1:3
In Christ's Service,
Kenny Millhouse
kenny@guidinglightministry.com
Guiding Light Ministry - an evangelistic outreach!
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