“For it is by grace you are saved, through faith-- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).
God has given everyone such a wonderful gift in salvation. It is up to us to accept this wonderful gift and live for Him. Some people believe that if they do a lot of wonderful things for people, they will go to Heaven. But if their hearts aren’t surrendered to the Lord, then all the works they do won’t mean anything in the Lord’s eyes because God can see their hearts. After we have been saved then our lives need to portray His love to others as a result of His grace given to us.
After we have received God’s gift of salvation, striving to please the Lord in every area of our lives is so important. Then the works done for others will be God inspired. Paul mentioned in 2 Corinthians of what benefits service to others can bring. “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (2 Cor. 9:12-13 NIV). People who are touched by our kindness may be compelled to ask us why we are helping them. It is an opportunity to tell them about God’s wonderful grace and His love for them. This service for others should not stop at Christmas, but we should be helping others every opportunity we get all through the year.
Dear Lord,
Help us to serve others without having selfish motives. We know that the Christmas season gives us many opportunities to serve others, but help us also to serve you by giving to others all through the year. As we do this let us be a witness of Christ’s love to everyone we have contact with so that they will see Christ in us and be blessed by our unselfish service.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
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