Sisters of Grace

Today has been a hard day, I felt quite discouraged by the selfishness that I see from those around me. I think for me generosity has always came naturally to who I am. I have learned that although you give a lot, it will often be unappreciated. It can be really hard to understand those that get uncomfortable with giving away their time, talent, and money. The world can be healed if people would think about others first.

Let me make it know that although I am generous, does not mean that I do not have to check my EGO! I most certainly have to ask myself what are my motives for giving? We must learn to give without expectation, validation, or praise. THAT is where the real test shows up! I freely give but as I felt that deep frustration today, I am almost tempted to withhold from people, because of their lack of gratitude! I’m human I can admit that I am fallible.

Friends, imagine if Jesus decided not to give us his life as a ransom? Where would we be if he left us with our many failures and hit the road? “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 NKJV). We are given what we do not deserve. I told my daughter this morning that “If you are waiting for people deserve it to be good to them, then you will always be waiting.” We don’t deserve the mercy of God, yet it’s anew every morning.

Life is complicated and it can feel as if we are doing all the giving, reaching and sowing in our relationships. However, we must remember that it is always better to give anyway. We have to learn balance though, take time for rest, reflection, and get away from it all. In the scriptures, you see Jesus after giving so much retreating to a quiet place with his Father. He knew he could not pour from an empty vessel. We are created for connection, we must share our lives with others.

Remember that in giving, you find your strength, you are learning to love without regret. Jesus never turned anyone away that came to him for help, how exhausting that must have been. When we are tempted to only live for ourselves, let us remember the importance of giving. Our world is begging for someone to see them, validate and care for them. We are to be a living sacrifice. The weight of that word is heavy. Sacrifice: It is an act of giving what is precious! Our time, talent, and money are all precious to us all.

The irony of it all, is that we can only give what we have been given! Our lives are not our own, and even if we choose not to recognize Jesus as our savior, or God the Father, as the creator of all. That does not diminish his presence or his existence in our lives. We are on borrowed time, let it count for something! Give yourselves away, lift up the hurting and the broken, come and follow the path that leads to life. Live with an open heart and mind.

Lastly, do not forget those that came alongside you in the hard battles and helped you to stand. The people that encouraged you on your journey are also on a journey, and dealing with struggles. Do not take from them and not reciprocate that love. Remember the times that someone sacrificed their resources for you to be successful or have what you have now. “Many waters cannot quench love, Neither can floods drown it: If a man would give all the substance of his house for love, It would be utterly contempt end.” (Song of Solomon 8:7 KJV). Be blessed my friends!

This is my work and the pictures are from Pixels Free Library and all quotes are referenced. ShilohRose77ⓒ