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GIVE TO WHOM YOU DON'T WANT TO

Our final day of this Plan brings us to the most difficult gift of inconvenience. Giving to someone you do not want to spoil with a gift this Christmas.

In 1 Samuel 24, David gives us a great example of being generous to someone who does not deserve it. After years of running from Saul, David finally finds himself in a great position to conquer the beast. His men urged him to kill Saul, but instead, David cut off a piece of Saul's robe and gave it back as a token of loyalty. "'Look, my father, at what I have in my hand. It is a piece of the hem of your robe! I cut it off, but I didn't kill you. This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me'" (1 Samuel 24:11, NLT).

No wonder David was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Centuries later, Jesus taught the same message of love on many occasions. "'But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you'" (Luke 6:27-28, NLT).

Can you think of someone who is not on your Christmas gift list this year due to bad feelings between you?

Who has hurt you this year?

Let us give them a gift of inconvenience. Instead of being bitter about that family member who ignores your calls, have a takeout meal delivered to their home a few days before Christmas. Instead of deleting that friend who hurt you from your social media, pray every time you read a post by them.

May the love of Christ be visible to all people who are blessed by your gifts of inconvenience this Christmas!