Day 17 - Give abundantly

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"35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”"

Acts 20:35 (NIV)

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Have you ever counted the cost? What do I mean? Have you ever thought that you will help do something with the expectation of something in return? It's human nature to give but expect to receive. This is not what God intended and we know this through Jesus.

At Christmas, it can be easy to fall into the trap of giving with the expectation of receiving however, this is not what Jesus wants us to do. He wants us to give abundantly, with no boundary and with total love.

Sometimes, we forget that and want to know what's in it for us. When you find yourself with that mindset remember this. God didn't prepare a fanfare for the arrival of Jesus - the greatest gift ever given. He didn't highlight His gift. "Look what I'm giving you." He slipped the everlasting Light silently in to a world of sin in meekness.

So maybe this Christmas, take a second to think how you approach gift-giving this year. Are you parading around with what you got people? Or are you silently spreading love and showing the people of this broken world, the love of Christ?

Reflect today: How are you approaching gift-giving this year? What can you do today to spread a bit of Christmas love?

O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight

How silently, how silently The wondrous gift is given So God imparts to human hearts The blessings of His heaven No ear may hear His coming But in this world of sin Where meek souls will receive him still The dear Christ enters in

Dear Lord,

Please help me to give abundantly without expecting anything in return. Help me to show love to those around me, not parading my actions and expecting attention but silently spreading your love so that others can come to know you. Thank you for the opportunity that Christmas gives where I can focus on giving to others however help me to take that spirit of giving abundantly into my everyday living.

Amen