Living Graciously

Living Graciously

By Jean Mulquin

 “Here’s another old saying that deserves a second look: ‘Eye for eye, tooth for a tooth.’ Is that going to get us anywhere? Here’s what I propose: ‘Don’t hit back at all.’ If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift-wrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.                                           

“You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.”

“In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”                                                                                                                                                        Matthew 5:38-48 (MSG)

What stuck out to me when I read the above scripture was the last verse that sums it all up, “Live generously and graciously toward others”!

I confess that I am stingy at times, and I hate that when I see it in myself.

Roxi (one of Katie’s Generals) is a sweet woman who is the perfect example of a person living generously and graciously toward others, and I want to be just like her when I grow up! I want to be more generous, and not miserly with my possessions and my time.

I am soaking my soul wounds of being the oldest kid that had to share everything with my younger siblings. I used to hate it when they got into “my stuff.” Now, I see that soul wound controlling some of my actions, and I will not be that way.

I love how the Word shows us just what ugliness lurks inside of us!

Do you know anyone that loves to be generous with their possessions and time?

Are you one of those people?

Comment below sharing three ways you can be more generous this week:

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  • Beverly Schuetz

    Yes I try to give to all because I care for the elderly and I take them flowers, plants, cook for them out of my money mostly but they do pay me by the hour for my time!!

  • Veronica Linda Jones

    I’m up for the challenge of allowing negativity bring out the best in me. Also got a box of food together for a neighbour coming out of hospital – not my usual behaviour at all – I can be stingy but i believe God is changing me.

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