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GOD TEACHES BY EXAMPLE

In the same way that God teaches joy by example, he shows us the way to give by setting a perfect standard. By lavishing gifts on sinners like us, He illustrates what he means by "loving your enemies". "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate" (Luke 6:35-36, NLT). 

Every time we receive a gracious, extravagant gift from God, it serves as a reminder that God loved us first while we were still sinners. We ought to accept his gifts as a sign of the everlasting covenant He made with mankind. He did not hesitate to give us the ultimate gift when He sent his son to save us from sin. "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16, NLT). 

God did not withhold anything to save us when He gave us the greatest gift of all. How poorly do other earthly gifts compare? Isn't it ironic that we struggle to accept earthly gifts from God, but often undervalue the most awesome gift that we have received in Jesus Christ? God's example of giving his best to sinners, should inspire us to follow his perfect example.

Let us accept God's splendid gifts as reminders of the greatest gift of salvation that we received by giving generously to others as well.