You Are a Gift: And Gifts Are Meant to Be GivenSample

Yesterday, we talked about how Jesus entered the pandemic of our brokenness and how we should enter into the suffering of others to bring His healing into a world that is hurting in so many ways.

Hurt people hurt people. And that makes them hard to love. Let's look at how we can love our neighbor as ourselves.

Doing Good

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. —Matthew 5:44

Love. Bless. Do Good. Pray. All require action.

But first, they require a decision.

Have you identified your enemy? Who is cursing you? Who hates you? Who spitefully uses and persecutes you?

Let me ask it another way.

Whom have you drawn battle lines against? Whom do you badmouth when their back is turned? Whom can you not stand and consciously avoid? Whom do you consider “them” and not worthy of your kindness or generosity?

Is Jesus on that list? Even part-time?

He loved you by giving Himself for you, even when you were yet His enemy. He blessed you with life and breath, even when you cursed Him. He clothed you and fed you, even when you hated Him. He prays for you even now, while you use His name spitefully and consider His grace to you as worthless while still enjoying its benefits.

Love. Bless. Do Good. Pray. For All.

Reflection

Who is your enemy that needs your love? Who is cursing you that needs your blessing?

Who hates you that you can do good to? Who spitefully uses you and persecutes you that you should pray for?

Remember…

You are God’s gift to the world for such a time as this.

How does God want you to give yourself away today?