Why are some people blessed and others are not? Is it their beliefs, or achievements or knowledge, wisdom or skill? Is it their ability to love or show compassion?
Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, “love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” (Matthew 5:43-46)
Does it make a difference to live a life of love and compassion instead of a self-centered life? I have lived both ways, and I’ll tell you it does make a difference. My self-indulged life was closed to others because I thought mostly about myself and what pleased me. That life led to loneliness and despair. In my depression I cried out to God and He answered me. I could hardly believe He loved me, but I felt His love on me. I knew He cared for me. That’s when things changed. I began to love God in response and love and help others. Little by little I began to feel blessed.
THINK ABOUT IT
Imagine, if you will, a cup right side up and a cup upside down. When blessings are poured over the cups the one right side up will be filled, but the upside down cup will be empty. Now apply this principle to life. The right side up cup can be filled to overflowing. The love and mercy we receive from God spills on to others. But the upside down cup receives nothing. When we think only about ourselves and depend on our own intelligence and strength, we cannot receive God’s blessings of love, peace, mercy, or strength. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Friend, being blessed is in the receiving. Will you receive God’s love and blessings? Say the name of Jesus and confess your need of His amazing love. Be blessed.
PRAY ABOUT IT
Thank you, Lord God, for loving us and blessing us beyond anything we could dream about for ourselves. Help us to love as you do and show mercy and compassion as you do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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