Free Lunch and Dessert

DAY 6: GOD TEACHES BY EXAMPLE

In the same way that God teaches us how to experience joy by example, he teaches us his ways of giving by setting a perfect standard. When God gives generously to sinners like us, He illustrates the principle of “loving your enemies” perfectly. “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate” (Luke 6:35-36, NLT).

Every time we receive a gracious, extravagant gift from God, we are reminded that God loved us first when we were still sinners. We ought to accept his gifts as a sign of the everlasting covenant He made with mankind. He did not hesitate to give us the ultimate gift when He sent his son to save us from sin. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NLT).

God did not withhold anything to save us when He gave the greatest gift of all. How minor do the other, earthly gifts appear in comparison. It is ironic that we struggle to accept earthly gifts that God gives, but often undervalue the most awesome gift that we received in Jesus Christ. God’s example of giving his best to sinners, should inspire us to follow his perfect example.

Let us accept God’s splendid earthly gifts as reminder of the greatest gift of salvation that we received by giving generously to others as well.

Scripture readings:

Luke 6:27-36

Proverbs 19:17