The Greatest Gift You Can Give

I never imagined that following Christ’s example could be so hard because being self-centered is being human. You cannot deny that most of the time, all we think about are our selves. It’s always about us. It’s always us that need to be taken cared of, to feel comfortable, to be understood. Being human is being insensitive and selfish. And being human opens up to disappointments and frustrations because, reality check, we don’t always get what we want.

I won’t be a hypocrite and deny that I do not enjoy watching the lives of people who’ve hurt me fall apart. But then, I know I am in no place to judge. After all, I am oblivious to whatever it is that they are going through. As the bible says in Romans 12:18-20,  “As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone. Don’t take revenge, dear friends. Instead, let God’s anger take care of it. After all, Scripture says, “I alone have the right to take revenge. I will pay back, says the Lord. But, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. If you do this, you will make him feel guilty and ashamed.”

My journey to finding and being with Christ is far from accomplished. I will always act human. But knowing Christ and his teachings bring you to a place wherein you interact with peace. And being selfless, being sensitive, being considerate, being compassionate to not just your self brings about peace; peace of the heart and peace of the mind.

Being merciful and good, especially to your enemies, may be one of the most powerful things you have ever done. – Joyce Meyer

Sharing Day 243 of the reading plan I am currently on from http://www.joycemeyer.org/ Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life – a Daily Devotional

The Greatest Gift You Can Give

It’s the most outrageous thing. The more I think about it, the more amazed I am. It gives blessings that are undeserved and withholds punishment when it is deserved. It’s absolutely the greatest gift you can give someone.

This gift is called mercy. See, Jesus came to earth and gave us mercy, so we need to learn to give mercy to others.

By Christ’s example, we’re taught to love and pray for our enemies. We’re taught to be friendly to those who do not treat us as we would like to be treated. We are told to give to and care for the poor and helpless who will never be able to pay us back.

We can give to people who will give us gifts in return. But we’re more blessed when we choose to give to those who cannot pay us back, that’s giving mercy.

The greatest gift you can give God is to become more like Jesus. You can do that by treating others the way He treated you. Give those around you the greatest gift they could ever receive from you: mercy.

Prayer Starter: God, I thank You for the mercy that You selflessly give me every day. I choose now to give that mercy to others. Every chance I get, I will show them the mercy that You have shown me.

You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. (‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭36‬ NLT)

(Photo courtesy: tumblr)

xx

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