What does it take to be a blessing? How do we treat the unthankful? Jesus gave this instruction to his disciples:
“I’m telling you to love your enemies and do good to them. Lend to people without expecting to get anything back. If you do this, you will have a great reward. You will be children of the Most High God. Yes, because God is good even to the people who are full of sin and not thankful. 36 Give love and mercy the same as your Father gives love and mercy. 37 “Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you. Don’t condemn others, and you will not be condemned. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you.” Luke 6:35-38
Jesus instruction was clear – we are to be an example of God to those we deal with each day. We were all sinners by nature but Jesus freely gave His life so that we could be brought into right relationship with God the Father. He gave freely and so should we.
Look at that second phrase in today’s verses, lend without expecting to get anything back. What have you lent…your time, your friendship, your assistance, your tools, your car, your money, your love, your compassion, your attention and genuine interest. When we lend without expecting to get things back then we’ve really made them a gift and in giving we’re an example of our heavenly Father.
Search for an opportunity to give to someone who is, by nature, unthankful. Maybe they were raised to be skeptical and feel that anytime someone gave something it was with a hiden agenda – so give today, genuinely give. Who knows you may be the one God is using to break through their shell and bring out an attitude of gratitude.
Let’s make this our prayer. “Lord, what can I do to please you today? I know I don’t have to work to earn Your love. But I like to do things that make you happy – things that bring a smile to Your face, something that will let You know that I love you?”
“My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love. 14 The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 ERV
The verse above was Paul’s instructions to the Christians at Galatia. He was reminding them of what Jesus taught and Jesus words were a repeat of a lesson God gave to Moses when the Israelites first came out of Egypt. God’s command from the very beginning was that we walk in a loving way towards those around us.
“Forget about the wrong things people do to you. Don’t try to get even. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18 ERV
Be forgiving, be generous, be loving, even to the unlovable and be the reason that someone else is thankful! It will make your Father smile.