From the beginning of time God has been a giver. When it would benefit Him in no way other than to have relationship with us, He created mankind and the world we live in. When it was time for us to begin this life and take care of the earth He made, he gave us everything we would ever need. And above all else, when our sin separated us from Him, He gave His only son to bring us back (John 3:16).Giving is not just something that Father God does, but it serves to help define who He is. 2 Peter 1:3 tells us that by His divine power we have been given everything that pertains to life and godliness. In the garden He gave life, blessing and purpose. Through the years that man wandered, He never stopped giving provision. Through the prophets of the Old Testament He gave correction and direction. And finally, through Jesus Christ, He gives us eternal life. Truly the attribute of giving marks Him as one who is loving, kind, merciful and compassionate, and so it must mark us. If we serve the God of the universe, in whose image we were created, then our lives must display the gift of giving.
Our time, talents and treasure are not our own, but are entrusted to us by God to live this life while blessing those around us. In so doing we further solidify our role as his ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) and as His children (John 1:12). So as we're right in the middle of celebrating the birth of Jesus during this Christmas season, remember that we're not only blessed to receive, but also to give like God.
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