To LOVE and GIVE

Recently through Bible Class, Small group discussion and daily bible reading I have been reminded of my purpose as part of God’s family. In my Sunday morning class we discussed the idea of our relationship to our heavenly Father. God is the giver of all good things and I am the receiver. John 3:16 is all the proof I need to be reminded of that fact. “For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE…” Because He loved and gave I have life!

God has called me to do the same for my wife, family and for others. I am to LOVE and to GIVE just as He did. In Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT) it says

Follow God's example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with LOVE for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and GAVE himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins.

It is only through LOVE that we can GIVE the gift of forgiveness. Peter wanted some clarification on the idea of this type of giving when he asked Jesus how many times he was to forgive someone. In Matthew 18 Jesus told Peter that he was to do it basically without limit. That is what LOVE does. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving. We probably all can relate to Peter’s question on forgiveness. We want protection from abuse. We desire limits on how far we should reasonably love and forgive. But when we ask God, He just reminds us of His example to follow.

Can you think of a certain person (spouse, child, brother, sister, friend, co/worker, etc.) who needs your love and forgiveness? Why not follow God’s example today? Through love and forgiveness we show that we are God’s children and God is honored.

Roger, over and out!