Gifts to give all yearActs 20:35

Forgotten at Christmas

Acts 20:35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " At Christmas – we focus on “getting” rather than “giving”Here are some gifts to give all year - FREE

1 – Praise

1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 2 Chronicles 11:1-2 1 Now Josiah kept a Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and they slaughtered the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2 And he set the priests in their duties and encouraged them for the service of the house of the Lord.

1 – Praise

Acts 4:36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, Joses was nicknamed Barnabas – because he gave the gift of praise and encouragement.

2 – Understanding

What most of us want – To be understoodTo be accepted – as isUndstand what I am going through, dealing

with – put yourself in my placeWalk a mile in my shoes.

2 – Understanding

1 Kings 3:9, 12 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" 12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.

3 – Kindness

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 2 Peter 1:7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

4 – Personal Presence

I did not say - “presents” - gifts to receivePresence – just being there

Sick, shut-ins, nursing home, hospitalIn times of grief

It is not so much what you say, but it is your very presence that really matters.

4 – Personal Presence

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. VISIT = more than chat for a few minutes

Visit – see to their needsFrom same Greek word – as “bishop” and

“overseer” - to look to their needs

5 – Gratitude

Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,Luke 17:16-18 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?"

6 – Prayer

There is nothing more powerful to tell someone than - “I am praying for you.”Song : For You I am PrayingJames 5:16b The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

7 – Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.Examples :

Parents – drunk driver killed their sonStephen as he was dyingJesus on the cross

8 – Example

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.We ARE to be the light of the world.We ARE to be the salt of the earth.“I'd rather see a sermon than hear one anyday.”

9 – Love

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. John 13:34-35 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

9 – Love

1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,

Seek what is best for another

Conclusion

1.Don't limit giving to special occasions – Christmas or a birthday

2.It is better to give than receive.

3.The greatest gift ever given – John 3:16 – God gave His only begotten Son for the salvation of mankind.