PJ - Gifts. Proverbs 18:16 tells us that a gift opens the way for the giver. Ever give a gift so you could get something? Is that a reason to give? When you are looking for a gift, what is the motive that you are shopping with? Why are you giving something to that person? Do we give out of obligation? Should we give out of obligation? Why should we give? So the other person is happy? Should we give with the motive that God has? What is God's motive for giving Jesus? So we would be happy? So we could be at peace? So we could be successful? Or did God give for Himself? Did God give Jesus for what HE could get out of it? He created man so HE would have a relationship of love with someone. Man sinned and broke that relationship, so God did not have the fellowship that He desired. So was God's gift of Jesus a gift that was to open the way for HIm to have that relationship?

When we give gifts, why should we give? so people will be happy? Or should we give so we gave build that relationship, and be able to speak into their life, like God's gift of Jesus lets Him speak into and change our life.

Think about this as you give this year. Should you give because that person is giving you something, or not give because they are not giving to you?

Add your thoughts . . .

Proverbs 18:16