How often do you wish you could operate in the same mindset as Christ? The older I get, the more I wish I could be more and more like Jesus each and every day. Why? Because I truly believe that this octogenarian is more apt to see Him face to face sooner than later. So now you can see, like a little child, why I implore Him to order my steps in His word on a minute by minute basis.

That is why for this week’s blog I decided to have a little conversation with God on the subject of giving. As I was examining my life, I wondered if my habits towards giving were in line with God’s concept of giving. The Holy Spirit challenged me in my mind if my giving was truly by grace. If that was the case, then, I was in concert with God’s attitude towards giving. This trend of thought caused me to search the scriptures on ‘grace‘. And what I was reminded of is just how magnanimous God’s grace is:

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

And the companion scripture for the above mentioned one is the following:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Begotten Son that whoever believed in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

It is because of those scriptures sited above, that many people believe that God’s method of giving far surpasses any mortal’s expression of giving hands down. In other words, God gives whether you deserve it or not. God’s giving which is by grace is not about Karma! Karma is all about getting what you deserve. Grace is all about getting what you don’t deserve!

We live in a society of ‘getting’, that calls for the judgment of someone else:….I deserve this…You owe me that…You promised me…

If we are walking by faith, God teaches us through scriptures, that all that mankind deserves is death, and that, in and of itself, bears no hope for restitution; except by the blood of his resurrected Son Jesus the Christ.

So, the Holy Spirit continued instructing me by whispering, My child, spiritual growth does not happen over night. You grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, and you have passed the test. Keep on searching and depending on the Lord and encouraging others to do the same. For with grace, it will allow your giving to transform other’s desires, motivations and behavior.

Therefore, My Beloved, always remember when you give to others, make sure it is in the attitude of love and not based on merit…that is, whether that person deserves it or not…let God be the ultimate Judge.

Scripture Lesson: “For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who (unselfishly) gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.” Titus 2:11-14 (Revised Standard Version)

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