February 4th, 2021
Killing Me Softly Devotional Series – Week 4 – Imitating – Thursday - Pastor Mark White
Grateful That God Created Me
Matthew 22:39b (NIV)
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
It is only natural to thank someone when they do something nice for you. Someone opened the door for you as you were walking into Wawa. Maybe your daughter went above and beyond when cleaning the house and cleaned way more than expected. Maybe a friend from your life group brought you dinner because they knew you were having a challenging week.
And it is also completely natural to thank God when He does something for you. If we would take the time to write down and be grateful for all God has done for us, it would take hours and many sheets of paper. If we did make that list, I have a suspicion that no matter how long it is, we would probably leave off one of the essential items, YOU.
Have you ever thanked God for you?
I know we are grateful for all the good in our lives but also for the challenges that come our way because they force us to turn to God more earnestly than we might have otherwise.
Okay, I admit that from one perspective, this might seem selfish and egotistical. I have known more than one person who considered themselves to be God’s gift to the universe in a very egotistical way. And yet, I have met others who realize they have a God-ordained presence in the world and humbly go about fulfilling their purpose.
We are all too familiar with Jesus’ words, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But do we obey him? Do you love yourself just as much as you love others? It is a matter of balance. We could substitute gratitude for the love in this command: Be as grateful for yourself as you are for your neighbor.
Pray this prayer with me:
Father, I am grateful that you created me just the way I am, and you have given me worth by the shed blood of Jesus. Amen.
Grateful That God Created Me
Matthew 22:39b (NIV)
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
It is only natural to thank someone when they do something nice for you. Someone opened the door for you as you were walking into Wawa. Maybe your daughter went above and beyond when cleaning the house and cleaned way more than expected. Maybe a friend from your life group brought you dinner because they knew you were having a challenging week.
And it is also completely natural to thank God when He does something for you. If we would take the time to write down and be grateful for all God has done for us, it would take hours and many sheets of paper. If we did make that list, I have a suspicion that no matter how long it is, we would probably leave off one of the essential items, YOU.
Have you ever thanked God for you?
I know we are grateful for all the good in our lives but also for the challenges that come our way because they force us to turn to God more earnestly than we might have otherwise.
Okay, I admit that from one perspective, this might seem selfish and egotistical. I have known more than one person who considered themselves to be God’s gift to the universe in a very egotistical way. And yet, I have met others who realize they have a God-ordained presence in the world and humbly go about fulfilling their purpose.
We are all too familiar with Jesus’ words, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But do we obey him? Do you love yourself just as much as you love others? It is a matter of balance. We could substitute gratitude for the love in this command: Be as grateful for yourself as you are for your neighbor.
Pray this prayer with me:
Father, I am grateful that you created me just the way I am, and you have given me worth by the shed blood of Jesus. Amen.
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