Giving truly truly is far better than receiving
I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who is fully satisfied. It seems we all are seeking to fill a void deep down in our heart and soul. Don’t get me wrong, I know people that have wonderful lives, surrounded by many who love and support them but, even so there’s a deep yearning in their hearts also.
The foundational truths that can only be found in Jesus, are life-changing when they’re fully recognized and lived out. For some, it manifests in an instant and for others, it can take a lifetime. For me, my deepest yearnings, my deepest desires, and my deepest pain are nurtured or healed through giving what I desire. Love, lavishly and truly expect nothing in return. Don’t expect to be thanked or your actions of love to be noticed. Literally expect nothing in return and you will be fulfilled. Giving truly truly is far better than receiving! Selfishly, nothing feels better than to love others. -To love those who will never love in return. To love the transactional ones. To love the puffed up ones. To truly love the ones that are hard to love. All of us at the end of our lives we will stand before our creator stripped of all the titles, accolades and badges of honor that we’ve acquired over our lives. I believe we will be asked- How well did you love?
Jesus said; “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.
“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Luke 6: 31-38 msg