Can Giving bring Gratitude?

Can Giving bring Gratitude? 
Simply put, Absolutely!

Have you ever observed someone generously
sharing their time, expertise, or wisdom
with others, even though you are
keenly aware they are going through
​a deep valley of their own? 
Think of Jesus’ time on earth. He was here
only for a short time, approximately 33 years. 
Of that time, He spent only about
three years spreading and sharing the Gospel, His Gospel, the Good News!  
He healed people, cared for others, and taught us all. During ​His sacred
​time here on earth Jesus was omniscient, which means He was all knowing.

And what did He know?  He knew that even with every step He took,
with every prayer He prayed and even with every person He touched,
He was going to die on a cross. He was going to be beaten and bruised.
He was going to be crucified for all of us.

“They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha
(which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered
him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 
And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes,
they cast lots to see what each would get” (Mark 15:22-24).

While Christ Gave His all to us, He knew He would die for us.
He knew His body would be broken to bless us. He Gave sacrificially. 
This is the ultimate Giving.  Jesus Gave freely.  In His despair where
He cried out to God, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”, He Gave.

It can take spiritual eyes to notice someone who Gives in the
midst of their challenges.  But when we are fortunate enough
to see these special moments in life, let us pray for them and cheer
them on for they have learned to be thankful for the little and big parts
of their life, and therefore in all parts of their life, while they continue
to think of others. This is where Giving and Gratitude also
create the infinity symbol. Two continuous small circles, looped together,
forever intwined, never ending.  Giving and Gratitude flow gracefully,
woven from one to another.  They are a glorious path to walk and live. 

A specific step in Grabbing for Gratitude is Giving to others.
It opens our hearts, minds and souls to reach beyond ourselves
and touch another beautiful person.  Giving requires us to transform
our thoughts away from ourselves and to place them onto someone else. 
Giving helps us move from “You owe me” thoughts,
to “How can I be there for you?” actions.  
Just as Jesus gave His life for us on the cross,
He calls on us to do the same in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this:
​to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” 

Don’t think you have anything to give? That can be challenging.
We may want to be His hands and feet
but simply don’t know how
to give or with what can we give.
Let’s remember His creative power
​and that we are made in His image.
What ways has He made you, you? 
What do you enjoy?
What are you good at?
What needs do you see in the world?

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Prayerfully start with those questions,
asking God to reveal specific answers
​to ways you can give to others.

Jesus Gave freely.  He gave us His all. 
Then shouldn’t we also Give freely,
without expecting anything in return? 
For in fact, that is exactly what Giving means,
to release to someone else, fully. 
Giving to others is an active, visual way we can humbly lay our
​Gratitude at the feet of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
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Let’s Pray: 
Lord God, our God. Oh, how You give and gave to us!  Your love, leading and healing know no bounds. You created our lives to walk in alignment with You.  Lead us Father God to serve You, to serve others, to love You, and to love others through our giving. Remind us daily that every perfect gift comes from You and therefore, we can give freely. Compel us to be a light in the world, reflecting You.
In Your gracious name we pray,
Amen

1. What are FIVE ways I can Give to someone right now?
2. How has someone else Given to you recently?  Tell them “Thank you.”

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