Blessed to Be a Blessing
Posted by Karah
Pause
Think about the last time someone was generous to you. As you start your devotion, thank God for this person’s generosity.
Read Matthew 7:7-12 in your Bible. As you read, underline the words or phrases that describe God’s generosity toward His children.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.” —Matthew 7:11-12
Answer these questions:
-What did this passage teach you about God’s generosity? His trustworthiness? Explain.
-This passage points to persistent reliance on God and trust that He will meet our needs. Who is a good example of that in your life? Why?
-God desires to give His children good things, but just because we ask for something, doesn’t mean it is a good gift. The gifts God loves to give are those that will build His kingdom.
-Underline verse 12. Because disciples have experienced God’s generosity, the least we can do is treat others as we would like to be treated. How does doing so display submission to God and a desire to put His purposes before our own?
-God blesses His children so they can be a blessing to others. How can generously giving to someone open the door to the gospel? Explain.
Respond
-In your journal, list of all the ways that God has been generous to you recently and in the past. Thank Him for each one.
-Think about the needs in your church and community. Pray over each one. What steps will you take this week to help meet those needs through the means God has generously provided for you? Jot down two action points in the margin.
-Memorize Matthew 7:12. You will have many opportunities this week to interact with others. How will you put this verse into action?
For further study on generosity, read Acts 4:32-35.
Behind the Story
Matthew 7:12 is often called the Golden Rule. Many parallels to this rule appear in history, but most are stated negatively. Jesus stated the rule positively, instructing His followers to take action on behalf of others. This is not something we can or will want to do in our own power; we can never carry out this command completely in our own power. In stating the command positively, Jesus therefore underscored our need for a relationship with Him.
The Point
Knowing that God has treated us generously, we must treat others the way we would want to be treated.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions