When I discovered I would be late for lunch with a friend, I sent a text message asking her to order my meal for me. We enjoyed a long chat over good food. On my way home I realised that my friend had not only ordered my food for me, but she had also paid for it. I called her with an apology and a promise to repay her. ‘Consider it a gift,’ she said. ‘You are very kind,’ I said, ‘but please let me buy your lunch the next time  we meet.’ ‘I wanted to bless you with my gift,’ she said. ‘Please allow me to enjoy the blessing of giving with no expectation of receiving.’ This was hard for me to do. However, I realised that giving without expecting anything in return is God’s way of  giving.

  

Every day we receive many gifts from God. We have not earned these gifts and cannot possibly repay them. He generously gives good gifts. We can graciously accept gifts given to us, whether given by God or by other people. When we receive gifts given in kindness without expectation of repayment, we allow others to experience the blessing they can receive by giving as God gives.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us be generous givers and grateful receivers, so that in all things you may receive the glory. Amen