You earn a living by what you make, but you earn the respect and gratitude of others and a legacy and reputation by what you give.
Who are the people in your life you’re most grateful for? They’re the people who’ve invested time, money, energy, and patience in you. The people you’re most grateful for are the people who’ve given the most to you.
The most giving people are the most appreciated people. Paul gives an example of this: “How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News.... No other church did this. At the moment I have all I need — and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me.... They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God” (Philippians 4:10, 14-15, 18 NLT).
Is anybody grateful for your generosity? How many people can you think of who would say about you, “That person is so loving and giving; they have been so generous with me”?
There is no better day than today to thank the people who have been generous to you. You can thank them by calling them or writing a note and letting them know how they specifically invested in you and what it has meant in your life. Then, use those people as your model for how to give of yourself and be generous with others.
Talk It Over
Who are the people in your life for whom you are most grateful?
How can you show your appreciation to those people today?
How are you investing in the lives of others? What more can you do?
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