Recognize Gifts from Jesus

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:4,5

Daily Devotion – August 18, 2020

Devotion based on 1 Timothy 4:4,5

See series: Devotions

I wonder if I should feel guilty. I see all of the people suffering in the worldwide pandemic, and I have enough food. I hear about the increase in domestic violence when people are forced to stay at home, but my marriage seems to improve as I spend more time with my spouse.

God encourages me not to feel guilty when I have enough food. In fact, he encourages me to thank him for providing such abundance even though I don’t deserve it. When I am tempted to take my food for granted, God reminds me to pray before I eat and read his Word after I eat. God gave me this food, so I know it’s good.

God encourages me not to feel guilty when I have good family relationships. Marriage and family are gifts from God, who knows that it’s not good for me to be alone. When I’m honest, I know I don’t deserve unconditional love from parents, spouse, children, or grandchildren, but God provides it and encourages me to be thankful for it. God gave me this family, so I know it’s good.

When I have an abundance of food, I have the wherewithal to help meet the food needs of people in my community. When things in my own family life are good, I have the emotional stability to encourage other people in a loving, godly way. I act from a thankful heart, not a guilty one.

And that’s because God has taken away my guilt by giving me forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus. He is the Bread of Life, satisfying my spiritual hunger. He is my brother, and he has brought me into the Christian family. When I’m clear on those facts, I recognize all of his other gifts to me.

Prayer:
Give me the awareness to thank you for my blessings, Lord, and to share them with joy. Amen.

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