When partnering with your family to know, love, and follow Jesus, we strive to create and share content filtered by the Head-Heart-Hands model.
Head: the knowledge of God and His Word | Heart: the personal connection from scripture | Hands: a missional mindset
I love receiving gifts. Waking up on the morning of my birthday and receiving wrapped and homemade gifts is my favorite! But what about giving gifts? Have you ever bought someone a gift you were so excited to give that you just could not keep it a secret? I have! That moment was even more exciting than receiving a gift!
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul challenges the Corinthians to “do well in the grace of giving to others.” Let’s break this down a bit. Grace is showing goodness to someone who does not expect it or deserve it. For example, Jesus showed us grace when he gave us the gift of salvation by dying on the cross. When we do well in the grace of giving, we are following in the example of Christ. We are giving to others when they do not expect or deserve it. Remember these gifts do not have to be things. Often, these gifts are our time or jobs we can do to help someone. We give humbly, not expecting to receive anything in return. I pray that you receive joy in giving to others as Jesus received joy in giving His life for you.
Think of a time when you got really excited to give someone a gift. Why were you so excited? Just between you and me, did you keep it a secret?
How can you give to others? Remember this doesn’t have to be a physical gift. This can be the gift of spending time with someone or doing a chore for someone. Hint: Your parents LOVE it when you offer to help around the house.
Prayer: Lord, help me to experience the joy of giving. Give me a heart to give of my time, talents, and things to help someone else. Open my eyes to other people’s needs so I can help them. Thank You so much for all the gifts You have given me. Amen.