Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for blessing me to learn another spiritual lesson. I’m very grateful that You’ve taught me how important it is that we give and pour into the lives of others. It keeps us thriving in a positive cycle, but sometimes our giving isn’t received in the way we hope. This week, I made it a priority to bless someone that has been a blessing to me many times. I had it on my heart to bless her and wanted to wait until I could do so in a very meaningful way.
Eventually, during our conversations and interactions, I picked up on what I perceived as her need for a specific item. I double-checked to make sure I wouldn’t be purchasing something she already had, and the coast was clear. So, I made the purchase and presented the gift to her. It didn’t go over anything like I had imagined. She laughed and said, “Why did you buy me this?”
Like many young folks in college, I’m on a budget and anything outside of it is a sacrifice, but my honest intention was to be a blessing. I anticipated being rewarded with the satisfaction of her appreciation. That didn’t happen, not even the slightest bit. She explained to me why the gift was unnecessary, and the words “thank you” never crossed her lips.
Heavenly Father, this gave me a glimpse of how You must feel when we’re not thankful for the extreme number of blessings we receive every day. Your Word tells us in John 3:16(NIV), “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” You gave us your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and sometimes we repay You by sinning, doubting and disobeying Your Word. We are sometimes so ungrateful for all that You do for us. Forgive us, Dear Heavenly Father.
We become so caught up in the things we don’t have, and we completely lose it when problems or certain areas in our lives get messed up. We complain and ask “God, why are you letting this happen?” But when things were going peachy, we didn’t spend quality time just giving You thanks and praise for Your goodness. A lot of us puff ourselves up and think that we deserve all the blessings You’ve lavished on us, but Romans 3:23(KJV) tells us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Isaiah 64:6 reminds us that without the finished work of Christ, we’re all sin-infected and sin-contaminated. We don’t deserve Your goodness, but You’ve given it to us because You love us so much. Thank You for loving us, Dear Father.
Jesus Christ told us in Luke 12:48 that when someone has been given a lot, much will be required in return. We should never overlook this, Heavenly Father. We must also know that there are times when people are being a blessing to us because of the favor You have placed on our lives. Sometimes it is better for You to reward them, and all that is required of us is to just enjoy the blessing of favor and be thankful.
I love You so much Heavenly Father, and thank You for helping me to mature spiritually and to grow in the knowledge and wisdom of Your Word. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
“Humility When a Kindness is Unappreciated”, written by K. Lizzie, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2018. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.