Celestial Diary

It’s Christmas time! The time when we get together with family and friends, exchange gifts, and catch up.

Sure, we’ve bought and received gifts that mean a lot to us. But it makes me wonder, would we be as giving if it wasn’t for the holiday spirit pushing us?

Before we say a quick yes, let’s think about two questions: ‘What have I given this year?’ and ‘Who have I given something to this year?’

I’m not talking about the usual birthday or congratulations gifts. These questions are a nudge for us to think about how we’ve shown love to others and the kind of love we’ve shared with those around us.

What have I given this year?

When we love someone, we express our affection in various ways, such as through words of affirmation, gifts, quality time, acts of service, and physical touch. However, have we considered how God wants us to demonstrate love to our fellow brethren?

John 13:34-35
³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 
³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

The commandment of God is crystal clear, yet understanding the depth of His love requires studying His word. By immersing ourselves in His teachings, we gain insights into how to love those around us in a way that befits a child of God.

What can we give to those around us?

1. Prayer and Intercession: Pray for the well-being of others, interceding on behalf of those facing challenges or difficulties (Ephesians 6:18).
2. Compassion and Kindness: Show genuine care and kindness to those around you, offering a helping hand to those in need. Being kind comes at no cost. Take a moment to listen when others share their problems, offer a warm smile when greeting someone, generously give compliments, and acknowledge the goodness in people. You never know – your simple act of kindness might be the very thing that prevents someone from harming themselves (Proverbs 21:13).
3. Forgiveness: Forgive others and let go of resentments, promoting a spirit of understanding and reconciliation. Everyday we sin against God and He’s still willing to welcome us with open arms, so why do we find it so difficult to forgive others? (Ephesians 4:31-32).
4. Respect and Empathy: Treat others with respect, understanding their perspectives and empathizing with their experiences. Even in moments of disagreement, it’s crucial to remember the importance of respecting one another and acting with humility. (Romans 12:10).
5. Service and Charity: Participate in acts of service and charity, offering assistance to those in need. Examples include feeding the hungry, clothing the sick, and providing encouragement to others. (1 John 3:17).

Love without and action to back it up is just an empty word. You cannot claim to love someone and have nothing to show for it. Giving gifts or spending time with someone isn’t the entire definition of love, so why limit ourselves when we can give so much more?

Who have I given something to this year?

Luke 6:27-31 

²⁷ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 
²⁸ bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 
²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 
³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 
³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Love isn’t reserved for only those who love us back. As Christians we ought to love everyone (even strangers and enemies) just as Christ did.

While getting your dad a gift or treating your friend is nice, it’s important not to limit the definition of love to such gestures. Love doesn’t always align with convenience; at times, it demands sacrifice.

We’ve received abundant blessings from God this year, but what good is it to receive His love if we don’t share it with others?
I pray that this holiday season will be a time of peace, warmth and love for each and every one of us.

Stay Blessed x