| JUNE 1, 2023 -- The second most important Commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” Matthew 22:39, Contemporary English Version.
A new Commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34.
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17.
When we were children, our parents taught us to always say “thank you” when we were given anything. After a while this became almost an automatic response. So, how do we properly say “thank you” to God for all the wonderful things He has given us? The best way is to share the grace bestowed upon us by giving to others in return. “For, if you have given it to the least of these my brethren, you have given it to me.” With practice, giving to others in gratitude for what we have received from God might possibly become as automatic a response as our saying “thank you” to other people. At least, this is a habit we can hope to develop.
Remember also that “God loveth a cheerful giver.” Do not give grudgingly God loves all his children, and when we give to others we should keep in mind that we are giving to someone who God loves, no matter what our own feelings might be. So, give to others in a way that reflects God’s love to them. When we give to people we love we give what they want or need, not just things we want to get rid of anyway. Do the same for all people. This sometimes means doing your homework and determining what they really need and/or want.
Don’t think just of material goods when giving. Many acts of kindness cost you little or nothing and yet are really rewarding to the recipient. These can range from the trivial, such as opening the door for someone whose arms are full, to taking someone to an outpatient clinic for an appointment.
For some people perhaps the most valuable thing you can give them is taking time to listen to them, even if they tell the most boring stories, or do nothing but complain. But whatever you do, do it with love.
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