February 7

Written by Bill Grandi on February 7th, 2023

We have been asked/commanded in the Scripture to do two things: Love God supremely and to Love Others genuinely. Jesus tells us that in Matthew 22:37-39.

We seem to work hard at getting that first one down pat because it is so important. We see loving God as the top thing we are to do…and that is absolutely, 100% true.  So we try to invest time in that-reading the Bible, praying, worshiping.

It’s the loving others that sometimes get a little bit “sticky.” Let’s face it: sometimes our relationship with others is like two porcupines trying to get close. They might be able to but it sure is a prickly situation.

So, what does it mean to love genuinely? We could say, “Be patient.” “Be forgiving.” “Be accepting.” “Be kind.” “Be considerate.”

How about this? “Be generous.” We can set an example of Jesus in us by being generous. Not stingy. Not self-absorbed.

Let’s expand on that for a moment. The Bible speaks of those who have are to share with those who don’t. If you get a moment, check out I Tim.6:17-18. Not all of us are wealthy (I’m certainly not), but hoarding, for example, is never seen as a virtue. Even if we are not wealthy, God has called us to radical generosity. Case in point: tipping at a restaurant. I know a couple who never left a tip. Never. When I asked why they said, “Because they chose that job and knew the possibility.” And that justifies what? Maybe, at that time, that is all he/she could do, while trying to raise a child as a single mom/dad. I personally believe followers of Christ should be the most generous people, especially if they have received good service.

I know I “rabbit-trailed” it today. That sometimes happen in a mind that seem to go everywhere (and no, I am not ADHD). So…long story short: be generous. Love genuinely, even in ways that go beyond financial.

 

8 Comments so far ↓

  1. Ryan S. says:

    Can’t disagree, as Christians, we should be modeling Christ. We should be representing a way of life that should be significantly different than the world around us. We should be bubbles of Jesus where ever we go. That should definitely be displayed in His love and how we treat others and how we meet the needs of those around us.

  2. I’ve found that when I give freely, I am rewarded in ways I couldn’t even imagine. Not that getting a reward should be the motivator whatsoever. It just seems that the more generous I am, the happier I am.
    Blessings, Bill!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      I have found that same thing for me Martha. The old saying come to mind: “You can’t outgive God.”

  3. gail says:

    Excellent point Bill. I think it’s important when we pray for people that we pray for both the victim and the person who caused the hurt in whatever way. Its easy to forget to pray for both. However if we do not change the person doing the offense they will continue being manipulated by the enemy. The love everyone, pray for everyone includes a lot of people we find hard to love, and even harder to pray for. God made it clear, all souls are important to Him, He does wish to leave anyone behind. God’s grace covers us all.

    • Bill Grandi says:

      you bring up a good point Gail. It is often easy to forget to pray for both the victim and the person who did the hurting. I think it is especially hard to pray for those who do the hurting, but that is exactly why we should.

  4. Bill Grandi says:

    I loved this post! Dick is a great example of someone who gives generously while I tend to love generously, so we are a good combo! LOL!
    Have a great day, Bill!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Thanks Pam. That difference is a perfect example how God puts two people together for ministry.