By Giving, You Become More Like Jesus
By Rick Warren
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had” (Philippians 2:4-5 NLT).
God wants you to learn that you can give without loving but you cannot love without giving.
You say, “I really love my kids!” Do you give them your time? “I really love my wife.” Do you give her your attention? This is what love is all about. You become more loving when you become more generous.
Every time you’re generous, a change takes place in you. Every time you give, your heart moves another tweak up the dial toward God. You become more loving every time you give. You become more like Jesus.
Philippians 1:11 says, “May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (NLT).
What we’re talking about here is extremely countercultural, because our society does not tell you to give. Our culture is constantly telling us to get. It’s all about me. Me, my stuff, my needs—me, me, me. We have a “me” problem!
When you’re generous, it gets the focus off you so that you can stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about others. Philippians 2:4-5 says, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had”(NLT).
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The weeks leading up to Christmas are so full of excitement and preparation that December can be kind of a blur.
That’s why Pastor Rick created the Preparing Your Heart for Christmas devotional and calendar.
This two-part resource includes a daily devotional and calendar to help you and your family draw closer to Jesus and prepare your heart for the real celebration.
Preparing Your Heart for Christmas can help you spend the holidays . . .
• Worshipping instead of worrying
• Slowing down and reconnecting with God
• Expressing gratitude for the true meaning of the season
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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