Love Your Neighbor Challenge — Day 15

July 15th

Love brings joy.

The first time I heard that it was more blessed to give than receive, I didn’t believe it. But then, when I was about eight, I found a silly birthday card that had my grandma’s name on it. I gave my Grandma May a birthday card that said, “May the bird of paradise fly up your nose.” I laugh now as I think about it–such a silly card and the use of the word “may” wasn’t a name at all, but my grandmother was so happy to get that card. I felt so much joy!

Compare the joy you feel when you eat a box of Oreos to the joy at giving the box away to a homeless mother with a child. Which feels better?
Compare the joy you feel at buying the latest pair of running shoes to the joy you’d feel at taking your shoes off and giving them to someone with no shoes.

It is more blessed to give than to receive. Furthermore, you can’t outgive God. John 3:16 is likely the most popular verse in the Bible. It says, “For God so loved the world that he gave…” He gave to the world the most precious gift of all. Hard to believe that bearing our sins on the cross can be tied to joy, but here’s part of the verse in Hebrews 12:2, “Because his heart was focused on the joy of knowing that you would be his, he endured the agony of the cross…” He gave for joy–for you.

What love gift do you offer Jesus today?

It’s not too late to join our month-long Love Your Neighbor Challenge! This has the power to change your world.

Check out the blog at He Makes Me New.
Participate in the Facebook group for this challenge.