The Gift of Love

"I tell you her sins--and they are many--have been forgiven, so she has shown much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love." (Luke 7:47 NLT)


Once when Jesus was at a dinner-party held in His honor, He told a story to the host who had invited Him. It involved two people who owed a man a lot of money, but one owed much more than the other. When neither of them could repay, the lender decided to cancel both debts. Jesus asked the host this question: "Now which of them will love him more?"

He told this story because a woman heard He was there and came to anoint His feet with perfume and her tears. The host was disgusted with her behavior because she was a sinful woman, and he didn't understand why Jesus allowed it. After telling the story, Jesus pointed out to the host the ways the woman was honoring Him, and the ways he was not. In truth, they both were in need of God's mercy and forgiveness, but one of them knew it and the other didn't.

The man who invited Jesus to dinner was a member of a sect called the Pharisees. In general, the Pharisees didn't accept Jesus as the Messiah. He was too humble, ordinary, and didn't associate with the right people. Jesus got after them a lot regarding their self-righteous behavior and how they were oppressing the poor, sinful, and anyone not like them. They needed forgiveness as much as anyone, perhaps even more so, but they didn't recognize their sinful ways. For them it was all about trying to earn God's favor rather than simply receiving God's favor. They were focused on their own duty and righteousness (and that everyone else should be like them), rather than being focused on God's love.

I'd like to say I've never fallen into this same trap, but I can't. And in a way, I'm glad. I know what it feels like to take love out of the equation in my relationship with God. And I never want to go back there. It's a dark, lonely place of confusion and pain. I am thankful God rescued me from that. He has taught me to rest in His grace every day. No matter how I fall short--through disobedience, misguided choices, disappointing others, or not being all I think I should be: His grace is enough. He loves me.

Believing that makes me more loving, more forgiving, and more giving. I believe I am precious in His sight. I believe in all He has done for me. I believe His ultimate gift to me is Himself: His peace, His presence, and His mercy. What are you believing this Christmas?

When Christmas Isn't Merry & Bright

By now you've probably begun to receive the Christmas cards, heard the music of the season, seen the social media posts, and can't go a day without reading or hearing the words: "Merry Christmas!" or "Happy Holidays!" For many it's the happiest time of the year, and parties, gift-wrapping, and joyful greetings fit right in. Some can't wait to get their tree up, decorate the house, and shop for those they love. Colorful lights, festive displays, special gatherings--it's one day after the next with everything looking, sounding, and feeling merry and bright.

But what if you're just not into it this year? (Or perhaps it's been a few years.) Too much is going on to really enjoy all the busyness, or it's a difficult time due to circumstances you can't change: The loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, employment woes, financial hardship, illness, anxiety, depression, loneliness...Many things can make it seem impossible to find any joy at all, no matter how many Christmas songs you hear or how well-decorated your house is--if you can even bring yourself to turn on the music or hang an ornament on the tree.

For some it's the happiest time of the year, but for others it might be the worst. Many of us probably fit somewhere between the extremes, and some years are better than others. One day brings happiness and joy and feelings of accomplishment for getting things done, while other days leave us feeling exhausted, left-out, or just blue. The reasons might be clear, or they might not. Some moments are wonderful and make the whole season worth it, or perhaps a few high points don't really make up for all the hassle, money spent, and underlying sadness we feel.

Whether you love Christmas, loathe it, or fall somewhere in the middle, most of us can probably use a little perspective. Christmas isn't really meant to be an "all or nothing" experience. It's not supposed to be a time of year to forget all our troubles, nor to endure until it's over. We can see this in the Christmas Story itself. Those involved in the First Christmas when Jesus was born had been through it all. Mary and Joseph had moments of fear, uncertainty, fatigue, weariness, confusion, elation, joy, wonder...the months and days leading up to the night of the Savior's birth were far removed from most of our modern-day festivities. Truly celebrating Jesus isn't about the means or the methods; it's about the message.

"Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy that shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day...a savior which is Christ the Lord...Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
(Luke 2:10,11,14)

 
 

Angels proclaimed these words to shepherds who were nearby, and they were invited to come and see this great thing that had happened, but I doubt these shepherds were the "merry and bright" sort. They were likely tired, hard-working, underpaid servants. They had never seen a Christmas light, Hallmark Christmas movie, or an ornately decorated tree, but they were the first to hear Christmas music. I'm sure it was a beautiful sound and marvelous sight, but the most beautiful thing about it was the Good News, the same message that is true for us today.

The shepherds hurried to see what the angels had told them, and they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Then they told everyone they met, sharing this good news about the Savior who was born, and others caught their excitement and amazement. The shepherds went back to work, glorifying and praising God as they returned to the mundane of everyday life, but they were forever changed--transformed by the message they had heard and whom they had seen: the Promised Messiah, Christ the Lord.

They weren't celebrating because it was tradition. This was something new they had never even known about before that night. They weren't sharing a message out of obligation, but joy and wonder. They were overjoyed to be included in this new thing that had happened. They probably weren't certain of what it all meant, but they knew they would never be the same. Heaven had come to earth! Angels had sung! Hardly a routine night of watching over their flocks.

What did the angels say exactly that can bring us this same joy today? The shepherds knew it wasn't only good news for them but for "all people". It wasn't only for those who had no problems or had never experienced loss--quite the opposite actually. Those who have no needs have no need for a Savior, so we can assume this festive bunch eager to go to their first Christmas gathering were in need of some good news: a light in the darkness.

"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
good will toward men."

It was a message of peace. Those who are already content and unbothered by the trials of life would have no need for the comforting words, so again I assume the shepherds were quite familiar with everyday fears, loss, anxiety, hardship, and unrest. They were involved in a dangerous profession, assigned to protect the sheep at all costs (like unfavorable work-hours and risking their lives). They weren't exactly people of privilege and comfortable living. Being invited to the birth of a king was definitely a one-time event. They weren't rich, noble, or of any real value to society. They had an important job but could be easily replaced. But to God? They were worthy of a hope-filled message: God's Good Will Toward Men!

His favor.

His love.

Forgiveness.

Peace.

The Gift of His Son.

His Kingdom.

They weren't forgotten, they were included.

They weren't invisible, they were seen.

They weren't dispensable, they were valued.

They weren't lost, but found. 

They weren't condemned, but loved.

Whatever you are facing this Christmas, whether its pure joy or much hardship, remember: Jesus came for you. He came to bring you life and carry your burdens. He came to give you peace, rest, hope, and whatever you need--today, tomorrow, and always. No matter how you celebrate the season, remember...He sees you. He loves you. He is with you, and you are never alone.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

"My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs...those who mourn will be comforted...the humble will inherit the earth."

"I am the light of the world, whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

--Jesus

Luke 2:10,11,14 taken from KJV. Jesus quotes taken from Matthew 11:28-29, John 10:27-28, John 8:12 (NIV); 
Matthew 5:3-5 (paraphrase mine)

Photos courtesy of Freeimages.com 

Giving as Our Father Gives

"Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you--pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap."  (Luke 6:37-38)

God gives good gifts. He gives because He loves us. When we ask God for things, we believe He is merciful and gracious. We believe He will give us what we need because of who He is--our generous, loving Father who wants to shower us with blessings.

God wants us to be like Him. He wants us to give as He gives. That's one of the reasons Jesus came. He came to establish God's Kingdom among us--within us. He gives us the Spirit to empower us to be more than we can be on our own. He gives us many things, but ultimately He gives us Himself. He gives us His Heart.

The question is, do we live like it? Are we living as those who have been empowered to live beyond ourselves? Are we living as these verses in Luke describe? Are we judging and condemning others? Are we forgiving? Are we giving generously? These commands may seem impossible to keep, but they're not. Jesus told us to live this way, not as a suggestion or an impossible demand, but as a way of life that is vital to our being. We will never live fully in His abundance otherwise.

One reason we don't live this way is because we see other people and our circumstances as a threat to our survival. We feel the need to protect ourselves and provide for ourselves. We forget every blessing we have comes from God. We forget He will always give us what we need. We don't trust Him to care for us, so we attempt to care for ourselves. We protect our hearts and our beliefs and our time and our bank accounts. But God can do all of that so much better. When we listen and believe and trust: He takes care of the rest.

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matt. 6:33)

"Give and you will receive. Your gift will return to you."  His promise: We can give without fear. Our love, our time, a kind word, an act of acceptance or forgiveness, our talents, our worldly goods--none of it will be given in vain. God will always take care of us and give us what we need. We can trust Him on that.

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.  (John 1:16)

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved

Good Gifts

"Keep on asking, and you will receive...Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you...your heavenly Father [will] give good gifts to those who ask him."  Matthew 7:7, 11

Good gifts. We all like giving and receiving them. Did you know God also enjoys giving good gifts? In Matthew 7 Jesus says, "Keep on asking, and you will receive...Keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you."  I wonder what He wants us to ask for? What have you asked for lately? Do you believe He gives good gifts?

In Psalm 147 it says, The LORD's delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.  The word used for hope here means to wait with patience; to trust. It's about believing in His unfailing love and expecting it. Like when you ask for a Christmas gift you know will be under the tree on Christmas morning.

But often we aren't counting on His love like that. We're hoping for it, but it's only wishful thinking. Or maybe we're not even thinking about it. When was the last time you thought about God's love for you? Do you remind yourself every day? Do you believe it?

In everything God does, He wants to leave us in awesome wonder of His love. When He sent Jesus into the world as a baby born in Bethlehem, He was sending a message of love...Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour (Luke 2)...To whom? To everyone...Why a Savior? Because we needed one and God was willing to give us what we need. But it doesn't end there. He didn't stop with Jesus in the manger.

The question for this Christmas season is, are we looking for His love today? Are we expecting it? Are we asking for the good things we truly need? Are we asking, seeking, and knocking? And most importantly, are we receiving?

Consider the words coming out of your mouth today, your thoughts and attitudes. Are they positive, loving, and joyful; or filled with discontent, fear, and negativity? What's behind any joyless words or thinking? Do you need to remember Jesus came for you and He wants you to come to Him for whatever you need?

James 1:17 says, Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father.  What good and perfect gifts has He already given you? Reminding yourself of these things will change your mindset. So will believing He has more good things in store.

What are you thankful for today? What would you like to ask Him for? (If you have a notebook or journal handy, write out your thoughts.)

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.  All rights reserved