Give Like God

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.

Created for Relationship

After celebrating another birthday last week I am really thankful for relationships. I received such an outpouring of cards, gifts, texts, letters, Facebook messages and e-mails that it is overwhelming. The love and gratitude expressed by my friends and family was huge and my response in thankfulness was just as great because I begun to realize that it is only through valuing and committing to relationships that we reap the benefits. By embracing everything, including the tough times, we have the opportunity to enjoy all of the benefits and blessings. In Genesis right before He created man, God said, 'it is not good for man to be alone' (Genesis 1:18). In this, God not only spoke of marriage, but of all relationships because there was no other human but Adam up to that point. God's desire was that in the same way He created man and wanted fellowship with him, He wanted Adam (and all of future mankind) to have the opportunity to fellowship with others who were like him.

Just as the two great commandments referenced by Jesus in Matthew 22 state - love the lord with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself - we were created to love God and love each other. Regardless of whether it's easy, or filled with challenges, we are called to live this life in relationship: with God and others. So cherish it, enjoy it, work at it and succeed in it because truly, we were created for relationship.