SCRIPTURE:
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Romans 14:19
OBSERVATION:
The Christmas season is upon us, and I’m reminded of the age old saying, “It’s better to give than receive”. The joy of giving gifts, the joy of seeing someone’s face light up as they receive, and the joy of giving joy all contribute to why I love this season so much. We put so much effort into purchasing the perfect gifts for the one’s we love which is fabulous, but I wonder if sometimes we forget that’s there’s even more we can “give” those around us. Today Paul reminded me through Romans 14 that in this season of gift giving there are gifts I can give that don’t need Apple Pay. Paul writes, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” You and I can give the gift of peace today…if we choose. You and I can give the gift of edification, which is the gift of building up, encouraging, improving or strengthening…if we choose. It’s choosing actions and words that bring peace to tense situations, it’s choosing actions and words that bring hope where there is hurt, and it’s choosing actions and words that uplift the people around us. Paul wouldn’t exhort us in this manner if it wasn’t fully in our control, so the choice is ours.
APPLICATION:
Today I choose to give the gift of peace, whether people deserve or not. Forgive someone who has wronged you, smile when someone cuts you off in traffic, let someone go ahead of you, and choose to give peace. Beyond that, give the gift of encouragement. Freely compliment those around you, encourage someone having a rough day, tell your spouse how grateful you are for them, and speak hope to those that are hurting. We don’t have to wait until December 25 to give gifts, so light up someone’s face with the gift of encouragement today. May today be a day where people receive the gift of peace and encouragement through me.
PRAYER:
Jesus, please help me to seize every opportunity you give me today to give the gift of peace and encouragement. When I don’t feel like it please grant me Your strength and a Kingdom perspective, and when I feel like people don’t deserve it please grant me Your love and compassion. Help me to give selflessly that others might be blessed and You might be honored. In Your name, Amen.
