“Priceless Gifts That You Can Give This Christmas”
by Pastor Mark Taylor
“Everyone is a friend to the person that gives gifts.” (Proverbs 19:6)
The Gift of Principles – Teach and live the principles God has given you. Those principles include loving God and loving others. “'And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. "And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31).
Teach your loved ones that personal integrity is a gift they need to cherish. “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.” (Proverbs 22:1).
The Gift of Patterns. Your children will follow your patterns of behavior, good or bad. Both and live and teach them honesty, integrity, and persistence. Teach them the value of hard work and personal responsibility.
“Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalms 1:1-3). This is true success.
The Gift of Participation. Be involved in the lives of your children, grand children, and others that you love. Use the time you have with them wisely. “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:16-17).
The Gift of Mercy. Help others to start over when they fail. Keep the doors of communication open. Be involved in their hurts without being judgmental. There is a time of correction, but there is also a time to listen. “A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1). When someone is hurting, it is not the time hurt them more with your words. "Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:36-37).
Ask them “What can I do to help You?”
The Gift of Praise. The greatest gift you can give someone to help them become successful. Praise is one of the greatest motivations for success.. It is a gift that is needed more than any material you can wrap. “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). Make someone happy this Christmas by praising them for something they have done in their lives this year, or something they have done for you. The gift of praise should be given 365 days a year.
The Gift of Prayer. God answers the prayers of Godly mothers, fathers,
and grandparents. Let them know you are praying for them and that the Lord Jesus loves them and cares for them. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person accomplishes a lot.” (James 5:16). Through your example encourage them to become prayer warriors for others. Model this by praying aloud in their presence and teaching them how to pray. This gift will last for a life time.
The Gift of Hope. You can give people hope by reminding them of the great plans God has for them. Just remind them that God is listening to them and willing to help them.. “I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” (Psalms 116:1-2). Remind them that God wants to help them with the difficulties they face in their life. “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3)
There are some people who have lost their hope and have turned away from the Lord that loves them. They think that God is not listening to their prayers. He is reassuring us that it is not His problem. “Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2). Give the gift of hope.
All of these gifts are something you can give 365 days a year. During this Christmas Season you should make an extra effort to give these precious gifts that you cannot buy with any amount of money. You are the only one that can give them because you already have them. These gifts are the type that the more you give, the more you will receive. "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38).
Many of you are successful and happy today because of the example set by your parents and other adults; the time they spent with you; the praise and encouragement you received; the hope they gave you; and the prayers that were lifted up for you. Now is your time to give.
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