“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners’ lend to ‘sinners,’ expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back..." - Luke 6:32-35
Christmas cards! People send them out every year. They have a list of friends and family, but that list often gets smaller as the years pass. One reason a name might be deleted is failure to respond in like manner. If a certain friend fails to send a Christmas card this year, they won't get one next year. The simple fact is... if you don't get, you WON'T give.
I don't work for a greeting card company, nor am I endorsing the perpetual sending of Christmas cards. But, we often find ourselves dealing with others in the same way as we do with our card list. Jesus cuts to the heart when he says "Even ‘sinners’ love those who love them". You see, it's all about motive. If you love in the Name of Jesus and for sake of his love, you will do it forever and expect absolutely nothing in return. Nothing... no love, no gifts, no gratitude, no kindness... but you will still love. The simple fact is... if you don't get, you WILL give.
Take inventory today my friend. Who have you cut out of your circle of love and kindness because you just didn't GET what you thought you should? Even "sinners" give when they get something in return. But you and I are different, because we are children of a merciful Savior who, "While we were STILL sinners... died for us". (Romans 5:8) The simple fact is... if you don't get, you STILL give.
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