My best friend in high school would always stop at the gas station before school and get a small bag of chips. Then he would open the bag of chips, and before he took his first bite, he would pass the bag around for anyone who would want a bite.
Doing this in a car full of high school basketball players with high school appetites was a dangerous task, but he was one of the best teammates ever because he gave so freely.
Every team needs teammates who are willing to give freely, and giving doesn’t have to be tangible things.
We all have our gifts and talents to bring to our team. Some of those gifts, like being bigger, stronger, or faster are easy to see and measure.
Other gifts aren’t visible or easily measured, like being a natural leader, being a great encourager, or having a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
James 1:17 tells us that whatever we have that is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father. One of the keys to being a great teammate is knowing what your gifts and strengths are and using them as often as you can.
‘Give freely’ is one of the last instructions Jesus gave to His disciples before sending them out to teach, preach, and heal the people.
In Matthew 10, Jesus sent out his 12, hand-picked disciple to carry His message to the people of Israel. He gave them power and authority over disease, demons, and even death. They were sent out to teach about and represent Jesus, and anyone who received them will be receiving Jesus.
Jesus said to them:
“Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” (Matthew 10:7-8)
Jesus told His disciples to give as freely as they have received from Him. His final message to His disciples before sending them out was:
“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.” (Matthew 10:42)
A cup of cold water, even in Jesus’ time, was not very expensive, and neither was my friend’s bag of chips in high school. Pretty much anyone can give a cup of water to someone in need. Even someone with almost nothing can help the mission of Jesus by sharing what they have, and when we share what we have, even if it’s a cold cup of water or our time, energy, and love, we are assisting In sharing the mission of Jesus.
Instead of always focusing on yourself and getting everything you want, live to obey God and let Him use you to be a blessing to other people. Be unselfish. Make your life about giving and what you can do for other people. Pray for people, encourage them, and compliment. Show appreciation. Live and unselfish life, try to be happy for others, and aggressively look for ways to give to other people.
And remember the words of Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
THIS WEEK
1 - Decide to give something freely to the people you are around. They could be something tangible like a bag of chips or a cup of water, or it could be something intangible, like your time, your positive energy, a warm smile, or encouragement.
2 - What is one gift that God has given you that you can share freely?
3 - When is it hard for you to share freely? Are there ever times when you would rather be selfish and not share?
4 - Think about the most generous person you know. How do they give freely? How can you use their ability to give freely to inspire you this week?
Our Father. I pray that I can obey Jesus’s instructions to give freely. I now know that I don’t have to give a lot because a cup of water is not a lot, nor is it hard to share or give away. Giving freely is a simple but meaningful way that I can demonstrate God’s love and grace for others, and I will look for more opportunities to give freely this week and forever.
For a Google doc version of this devo, click here: Give Freely
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