God gives, we receive, then give for His glory.

Romans 11:35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? Today’s verse strikes at the sense of entitlement that so easily can grip our hearts. It encourages us not to think that we deserve anything from God, but to recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. God isn’t responding to us. He is the first giver. We are the receivers. This is important because we don’t want to think that the reason we ought to love others is so God will be kind and good to us. It’s important for us to understand that we love because He first loved us. We love because God has given us a heart to want to love. We give because God has given to us, and we want to glorify Him by receiving His gifts and enjoying Him with them. That’s how God’s gifts of grace, faith, and love work in all who believe. This also encourages us to not expect a pay back from those we love. As we love with Jesus, let us love open handed. May we give His love to others for the sheer joy of pleasing our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope this encourages us to not withhold the love of God to any who have offended, hurt, or disappointed us. Father, there are times when we have expected you to pay us back for our giving or service. You know our hearts. We confess it is sin when we do that and that it doesn’t please or glorify You. Thank you for cleansing us of that self-centeredness and pride through the shed blood of Your Son. Sanctify us by the Holy Spirit that we might love like You love, give without expecting anything in return. May we find our full satisfaction in what You give us so we have the heart, strength, and wisdom to love with You. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com