Luke 6:30 says: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
I have often heard this verse used to promote generosity, usually finically. But I think Jesus meant much more than our finances because when we give love, encouragement or empathy even when we don’t feel very encouraged ourselves, Jesus always fills us back up! We always get more than we give even when we don’t see it immediately. I would encourage everyone to remember that we have so much more to give than money, although that is an important part of the world we live in. It is temporary at best, and certainly not the biggest priority.
As we prepare for the busyness of Christmas shopping and schedules, let us pause and reflect on who we can encourage, show kindness to, show the love of Jesus to, and see what happens. Maybe that clerk at the store needs a smile and some kindness today. Maybe someone in your family or church family needs the gift of love and encouragement. Maybe they need to know that God loves them.
I love to give my family gifts but I know what they really need is my love and my time. I am trying to focus more on that than the physical gifts because I know that is what they will remember.
There is an encouraging story of how God sends Elijah to a very discouraged woman and changed her course and his. It is found in 1 Kings 17:7-14. Even when we think we have nothing left to give, God can change that, but we have to first be willing to trust him with our lives, our gifts and our talents and to use them for His greater good. Elijah was able to perform miracles in preparation for the greatest miracle of all time, the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior!
As we celebrate this precious season, I pray we can all stay focused on this miracle that brought us the greatest gift of all, the gift of our salvation! I wish you all a very blessed Christmas and I pray you all feel his love and encouragement this Christmas and always!
John 14:27 says: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:33 says: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
No matter what situation you find yourself in this Christmas, take heart! Jesus has overcome the world. It’s already done! I find this so encouraging and I hope you will too.
Love and Blessings to all,
Helen Earls