Jesus said, according to the NIV, in Matthew 24:12, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." The King James Version doesn't paint a prettier picture. Here the translation says, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will wax cold." Whether it's many or most, waxing or growing, it is an apt description of the times we live in. Without the Father's gift, our hearts too would be cold, unfeeling and unmoved by the suffering we witness. However, that's not the mode your heart should be in. God wants you to follow His example, to have a Giving Spirit. We should give of ourselves and be unafraid to experience rejection or pain. We must give and interact with others, just as Christ did.
Do a self-examination this Christmas and check the status of your heart. Be honest about any hardness you may see or feel. Ask God to remove any stony places He finds. Take an hour, or an afternoon and talk to God about restoring a giving spirit within you. Christmas is the perfect season for returning to your first love, Jesus! Don't be turned off by the concept of giving because retailers may have hijacked the message of the season. Instead, make a commitment to show the world what true believers believe, that the best gift is love!
M
Do a self-examination this Christmas and check the status of your heart. Be honest about any hardness you may see or feel. Ask God to remove any stony places He finds. Take an hour, or an afternoon and talk to God about restoring a giving spirit within you. Christmas is the perfect season for returning to your first love, Jesus! Don't be turned off by the concept of giving because retailers may have hijacked the message of the season. Instead, make a commitment to show the world what true believers believe, that the best gift is love!
M
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