Give Back

We’ve been given so much, and we need to remember to give back in return.

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.”—Matthew 10:8 NASB

When Jesus called His disciples, He “gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness” (v. 1). He reminded them that this authority was a gift, something they hadn’t earned. As His disciples, they were simply His representatives, empowered by Him to demonstrate His Kingdom.

What had the disciples been given? A message to proclaim the Good News that was needed by people throughout the world. They also had been given power to act in His name to meet needs, heal the sick, cast out demons, cleanse lepers, and even raise the dead.

So what would the disciples do with this amazing power and authority entrusted to them? Jesus gave them clear instructions to go and preach, pray, heal, deliver, and give freely of the gifts they had received.

Each of us has been given special gifts to use in blessing others: time to invest…encouraging words to speak … material resources to share … wisdom to impart … spiritual truths to teach … prayers to pray … and God’s message of salvation and hope to declare.

Today, think about the gifts you’ve been given and remember that you have been sent out to be a blessing to others. You have a powerful message that people around you need to hear.

You have been blessed so that you can be a blessing to others. Follow God’s call. As you have freely received, freely give.

Reflection Question: What gifts have you been given, and how can you bless others?