the gift

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. Romans 5:3‭-‬5 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.5.3-5.NLT

When we love we give good gifts. The depth of our love determines the depth of our gifts. The challenge is know who we love as we give. We can give good gifts because we love the image of a good giver or because we really do love and have compassion when the gift is a helping hand.

Yesterday I read an interview between Mark Zuckerberg's wife, Priscilla Chan and a journalist. The Zuckerbergs give away 99% of their income. Priscilla was from a very poor refugee family and knew the pain that refugees experience. I pray that pain is always there so that she remains compassionate. Compassion is love for the suffering. Jesus had compassion on the crowds. He could see they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Our God had compassion on us. He knew we could not be good enough no matter how hard we tried, because we have a sin nature, it naturally wants to please itself. Therefore, in His compassion He sent Jesus. Jesus, God's Son was to be the perfect sacrifice who would set us free from sin.

Now as I walk in faith of that sacrifice, I am free. I am filled with His Holy Spirit, the power over sin. Praise Him! Amen!

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