Scripture
Luke 14:12-14
“Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Observation
God loves a cheerful giver. Not merely a person who gives so they can get, but a heart that gives freely without expectation of reciprocation. God gave freely of himself for us, knowing that there was nothing we could do to repay him. As we grow to become more like him, he desires to see that same selfless generosity in us.
Application
I like building friendships. I like investing in people that I enjoy being around. I enjoy giving to people that I care about. But how often do I truly give with no expectation of receiving? Do I give because of what I “get” out of a friendship, or do I give also to those who have no hope of ever repaying me in any way? I want to develop that kind of Christlike generosity.
This week, I need to intentionally find and create opportunities to give. Freely, cheerfully, and with a generous heart–with no expectation of receiving.
Prayer
God, thank you for giving of yourself so freely to me. Help me to become more like you, and create opportunities to give freely to others out of a heart of love.
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