There is a
poem from an unknown author on my desk entitled “Attitudes”. It is a frequent
reminder to me that I can decide how much and how I want to react to teaching, slights and offenses, corrections and
reprimands, and other dealings with my fellow man.
A lot goes
into the formulation of our reactions:
who is speaking and how we feel about them, where the interaction occurs
and who else is present, whether or not the subject falls within our comfort
zone.
We must
admit that is easier to accept a correction or suggestion in private than in front
of another person or group and from a person we love and respect than from
someone we are less fond of.
Now, what in
the world does this have to do with the “Gift of Giving”?
2
Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
7 Every man according as he purposeth
in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth
a cheerful giver.
Picture a
family who routinely give without complaint or fanfare.
Compare this
with a family who makes much ado about everything they do for anyone, including
the church, or who complain bitterly about any request for giving whether or
not they intend to participate in the giving.
Which of
these families do you see encouraging “cheerful giving” to those whose lives
they touch?
The Apostle,
Paul, encourages us to avoid being a stumbling block to others. Our attitude
and the expression of those attitudes can go a long way toward helping or
hindering others in the joy of the “Gift of Giving.”
We can
decide on our attitude. It might take a bit of work if we are burdened with a long
held sense of right in some of our negative attitudes, but change can come.
Take joy in
the fact that our own happiness is increased when we are a part of a cheerful
experience.
Take a
chance. Encourage yourself to be a cheerful giver and enjoy the “Gift of Giving”.
May God
Forever Be a Blessing in Your Life!
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