FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, NOW FREELY GIVE.
“Shackled by debts? Get free of them...”
The colonists along the Eastern seaboard wanted freedom.
“Free! To the first twenty who respond!”
Free. A word that is readily tossed about, but how many times have we all been told, “Ya don't get sumthin' for nuttin'!”
Free. Jesus' gifts are truly free. How can we say there's any strings attached when we've been given the gift of salvation and life eternal with the Giver of that free gift? Wait just a minute, Jesus continues, there is a string attached: you need to respond to My gift with equal generosity, for My gifts are made to share, and there's enough for everybody!
Have you been given a spirit that is always upbeat? Share it, by encouraging others.
Been given financial security? Share it.
Been given peace? Bring others under that banner of peace.
“Freely, freely, I have given to you,” says our Lord. Can we respond in any other way than by giving freely? Paul used the Greek word, hilarios, which has been unfortunately translated as, “...for God loves a cheerful giver.” Better translated, “...for God loves us to give freely, without inhibitions!”
Prayer: Lord, I confess, I am not as responsive to Your generosity as I ought. Forgive me and redirect me thoughts and behaviors. Let me be a one who freely and joyfully gives of my time, talents, gifts, and resources. Amen.
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